LIBRARY OF CONGRE: 
Jd PUtl 

. Shelf. v.K*b 



UNITED STAGES OF AMERICA. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 



PRESENTING A REVELATION OF THE 



FUTURE LIFE, 



AND ILLUSTRATING AND CONFIRMING THE FUNDAMENTAL DOCTRINES OF THE 



CHRISTIAN FAITH. 



EDITED BY 
/ 

HENRY KIDDLE, A. M. 



"Let no one take offense at the opening of this mystery, as though it 
brought anything new into religion ; for it has nothing new in it ; it alters 
no point of Gospel doctrine, but only sets each article of the old Christian 
faith upon its true ground." 




a kStkJL 

1879. tf 
h Of VYASfl 
NEW YORK: 

THE AUTHORS' PUBLISHING COMPANY. 
1879. 



*& 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1879, by 

HENRY KIDDLE, 

In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 



MY BELOVED DAUGHTER, 



GIFTED BY HEAVEN TO BEING TO THE LOST OP EABTH 



A MESSAGE OF HOPE BEYOND THE TOMB, 



AND TO UNVEIL TO THE EYES OF FAITH 



THOSE MANSIONS OF BLISS "WHICH HAVE BEEN PEEP ABED FOE ALL 



WHO PEEFCTLY LOVE AND TETJLY SEEVE 



THEIE HEAVENLY FATHEB, 



THIS VOLUME IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED- 



(3) 



" If some would represent such a view as dangerous, I reply 
that my only question is, ' Is it true ? ' It is falsehood which 
is always dangerous ; but truth never. It is not for us to con- 
struct after our own fashion the unseen world. You think that 
meu will not love God without the terror of an endless hell ? 
So thought not David. He said : ' There is mercy with Thee : 
therefore shalt Thou he feared.' And in any case it is useless 
to dogmatize about things which God has not revealed. ' Things 
are as they are, and will be as they will be ; ' and for us to mis- 
represent them by the fallibility of human system, or at the 
bidding of human expedience, is a blasphemy against truth and 
against God. What is dangerous is to drive some into indig- 
nant atheism, and to entangle others with an evil superstition, 
and to crush others under a deep despair, by representing Him 
whose name is Love as a remorseless Avenger, instead of as a 
Father, who is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great 
kindness, neither keepeth He His anger forever. Evil souls 
and foolish souls can make any doctrine dangerous. St. Peter 
tells us that they wrested the writings of St. Paul, as they did 
also the other Scriptures, to their own destruction ; would you, 
therefore, have had the Scriptures unwritten ? or ought St. 
Paul never to have taken up his pen ? Some of the Fathers, I 
am afraid, held what I believe to be the truth on this matter, — 
just as hundreds of our ablest clergy do, — but feared to preach 
it ; but the best and greatest of the Fathers did preach it, and 
many saints at whose feet I gladly sit have preached it in this 
age. And, if we see a truth, are we to be 'liars for God' by 
suppressing it, because those think it dangerous who believe in 
no more potent motive for virtue and the love of God than a 
ghastly terror ? Are we to go before the very God of truth 
with a lie in our right hands ? " — Canon Farrar. 



(4) 



PEEFACE. 



This book contains the record of one of the most extraor- 
dinary experiences ever vouchsafed to man. Marvelous as it will 
appear, the whole has been the work of about nine months, 
during which time the editor has been placed in direct com- 
munication with so large a number of spirit intelligences — with 
so wide a range of gradation — that he can present this record, 
of which he is only the humble editor, with great confidence as 
a Revelation of the future destiny of mankind, of transcendent 
importance to them, both here and hereafter. Certainly, no 
book was ever published with a more sincere love of Truth, a 
more earnest desire to benefit mankind, or a firmer conviction of 
the obligation imposed upon the editor by Divine Providence, 
than this one. 

The editor, therefore, asks that, before the book is condemned, 
it be patiently and candidly read ; for all must admit that, if it 
is what in the title it claims to be, it deserves an attention as 
serious as has ever been given to any published writings. Tho 
materials have been supplied not only unexpectedly, but in i 
manner which most persons will regard as marvelous in the 
highest degree. Most of them were given in the presence of 
the editor, — very many, at his request. The most valuable are 
the result of a development — in the first place, of the powers of 
the intermediary, and in the second place, in the views and in- 
tentions of the editor. All connected with the matter have been 
led along, step by step, to the accomplishment of a work which 
seems to have been planned by the spiritual intelligences for a 
beneficent purpose, to be carried into effect through these earthly 
instruments. Certainly, when the first communications were 
written, the editor had no idea of preparing a book on this sub- 
ject ; and when this was proposed in the messages themselves, 
he_ shrank from it, as not having the means or the capability of 
doing it; and it was not until four months after the first sug- 
gestion was made that the book was commenced. Even then 
the plan was only in part developed ; for the most important of 
the materials have been furnished since the preparation of the 
book was begun. 

The editor, like the medium, has been to some extent, a |>:i^ 
sive instrument in this matter. Not that he has yielded blindly 
to any suggestions emanating from the spirits through the 
medium ; for to do this would have been superstitious and dan- 
gerous in the highest degree. There is a mightier spirit than 

(5) 



6 PREFACE. 

any of these communicants ; and to Him the editor and his co- 
workers have earnestly appealed for guidance and illumination, 
in the exercise of their own judgment and conscience, — never to 
be superseded. 

Not a single communication has been inserted which was not 
written through the mediumship of the editor's daughter or 
son. Most of them were written in his presence ; and he, there- 
fore, knows they are not the offspring of imposture or delusion. 
They come from the " world of spirits." This is solemnly at- 
tested as a fact, undeniable and irrefutable. If any one ; after 
reading them, can believe that they are given to deceive, his 
mind must be far, far astray in the " pilgrim's progress from this 
world to that which is to come." 

It is true, many other books — some of them of the deepest 
interest to mankind — have been published presenting various 
phases of this great subject ; but the time is now ripe for the 
higher aspects of spirit intercourse to be exhibited ; and hence 
this book has been dictated. Twenty-three years ago it was 
predicted : " Spiritualism will make a new edition of the great 
volume of Christianity, with additional notes and explanations 
that shall make the soul's immortality a tangible reality, and will 
unfold anew the teachings of Jesus, to those who seek for it in 
true Godliness, in the spirit of truth, and in purity of heart." 

This prediction is, in part at least, realized by the publication 
of this volume. 

In obtaining the messages, much aid has been given by Mr. 
Louis F. Weismann, whose constancy, spiritual insight, deep 
devotion to the cause, and unwavering faith in the genuineness, 
spiritual origin, and beneficent purpose of the messages, have 
been most important factors in the work accomplished. 

The editor may, by the publication of this book, forfeit the 
good opinion of some of those whose esteem he has hitherto 
possessed and prized. He may, by some, be charged with folly 
in entering upon a path as yet generally shunned by the respect- 
able or fashionable, and thus imperiling his earthly interests. 
He is not moved by these considerations, feeling confident that 
" Truth is mighty, and will prevail " ; and that the unpopular 
doctrine of to-day is often hailed with plaudits on the morrow. 

As for those who believe in the truth of spirit communion, 
and fear to avow their belief, he hopes this publication may 
inspire them with more intellectual and moral courage, com- 
mending to their consideration, but with no assumption on his 
part of the gift implied, the words of Michelet : — 

" Tons pensent, personne n'ose dire. Pourquoi ? Le courage manque 
done ? Oui ; mais pourquoi manque-t-il ? Parceque la verite trouvee n' esc 
pas assez nette encore ; il faut qu'elle brille en sa lumiere pour qn'on se 
devoue pour elle. Elle delate, lumineuse, dans un genie, et elle le rend 
heroique, elle l'embrasse^ de devonement d'araour et de sacrifice. Elle le 
place sur son cceur, et va a travers les lions." 



CONTENTS. 

PAGE. 

Introductory , 9-23 

I. 
A Narrative of Facts 23-36 

II. 
Narrative op Facts Continued, with Various 
Specimens op Spirit Communications. 
Sarah R. ; M. K. ; Milly McN. ; Judge Edmonds ; 
William Belden, Jr. ; William Belden, Sr. ; John 
Hecker ; S. W. Seton ; James Kelly ; J. W. Gerard 36-50 

III. 
Communications from Various Spirits. 

William Belden ; Judge Edmonds (several commu- 
nications) ; Sarah R. ; Mary K. ; Charles W. ; 
James W. Farr ; James W. Booth ; Eli French .... 50-63 

IV. 
Communications from the Illustrious of Earth. 
William Shakespeare (several communications) ; 
Lord Bacon ; William of Orange ; George Wash- 
ington ; Christopher Columbus ; Mozart ; Abraham 
Lincoln ; Judge Edmonds ; Queen Elizabeth ; Sir 
Isaac Newton ; Lafayette ; Lord Byron ; Shelly ; 
Win. Cullen Bryant ; Felicia Hemans ; Benjamin 
Franklin ; Joseph Lancaster ; William Penn ; 
Napoleon Bonaparte ; Aaron Burr ; Alexander 
Hamilton ; Washington Irving ; Prince Albert. . . . 61-113 

V. 

Spirits of the Lower Spheres. 

A Repentant Spirit ; A Spirit in Trouble ; A Con- 
trite Spirit, — H. J. Raymond (several communica- 
tions) ; A Prodigal Son, — C. W. (several communi- 
cations) ; Unprogressed Spirits ; Repentant Spirits 
of Various Grades ; The Dark World, described by 
Judge Edmonds ; by Edgar A. Poe (two communi- 
cations) ; The Seeress of Prevorst ; Miscellaneous 
Communications from Converted Spirits — A Happy 
Spirit ; E. B. ; H. C. Watson ; Suffering Spirits, — 
James Fisk, Jr. ; Coroner S. ; Wm. M. Tweed 114-179 

(?) 



8 CONTENTS. 

VI. 
The SnoRT-LiVED on Earth. page. 

Communications from those who died in infancy or 

childhood 176-204 

VII. 
Various Communications. 

Presenting numerous illustrations of the Nature of 
the Future Life s and its relations to the Life on 
earth. 

William Belden Sr. (several communications) ; 
James Kelly ; A. J. May ; John Hecker (several 
communications) ; William Belden, Jr. (several 
communications) ; Robert Watts, M. D. ; James 
W. Gerard (several communications) ; E. A. ; 
Richard Valiant ; Mrs. M. ; A Jewess ; A. T. Stew- 
art ; F. W. Hunt, M. D. ; James Gushing ; Richard 
Warren • Rebecca W. ; Judge Edmonds (several 

communications) ; James K s ; John H. A. ; 

Elizabeth Lindon ; William L. Stone ; James X. 
McElligott ; Joseph McKeen ; Caroline H — e ; 
Leonard H— e ; Milly McX. ; G. K. ; R. Heller ; 
Chas. A. Weismann — to the Seventh Regiment ; 

Mrs. Edmonds 204-258 

VIII. 
Communications Clerical, Sacred, and Biblical. 
Rev. Dr. Muhlenberg ; Prof. Richard Smythe, 
D.D. ; Rev. S. D. Ferguson ; Rev. J. W. Cum- 
mings, D.D. ; Archbishop Hughes * Rev. John 
Dowlmg, D.D. ; Bishop Janes ; Martin Luther ; 
John Calvin; Rev. Wm. E. Channing, D.D.; Sweden- 
borg ; Rev. Theodore Parker ; Bishop Ives ; Pio 
Xono ; St. Augustine ; Moses ; Pontius Pilate ; 
St. Peter; St. John; John the Baptist ; St. Paul.. 259-304 
IX. 

Importance op the Spirit Writings 305-322 

Appendix 323 

Index 345 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS, 



INTRODUCTORY. 

" There is no death ! What seems so is transition ; 

This life of mortal breath 
Is but the suburb of the life elysian, 

Whose portal we call Death." 

Of the thousands who have read this verse of one 
of the most spiritual of living poets, how few there 
are who seem to realize fully the fact which it so beau- 
tifully expresses ! To some it is sweet only as a poetical 
sentiment ; but to others it is precious as an expression 
of their fondest religious hopes. Although the fact of 
the existence of the human soul, or spirit, and its des- 
tined immortality lies at the foundation of all religious 
faith, yet it would appear, from an observation of the 
lives of men — even some of those who are held in the 
highest esteem for their piety and virtue — that this 
great truth finds but little practical acceptance. Few, 
probably, would indeed be willing to assent to the sad 
conclusion of the French infidel philosophers, " Death is 
an eternal sleep, " but yet how many really live as if, 
practically at least, that were their belief! They seem 
to be wholly absorbed in the affairs of this world. 
Greedy of gain, eager to enjoy all the pleasures of this 
life, worldly in all their hopes and aspirations, they seem 
to be exclusively intent upon laying up for themselves 
''treasures upon earth," wholly thoughtless as to what 

(9) 



10 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

their condition is to be when all material things shall 
have vanished from their sight, and entirely unconcerned 
as to how they may best prepare for that immortal exist- 
ence that stretches out interminably beyond the grave. 

It is true, doubtless, that tens of thousands of believ- 
ing Christians have a perfectly strong faith in the future 
world and its retributions ; but is it not equally true 
that most Christians, of all denominations, often ex- 
perience a sad weakening of that faith, or, at best, find 
it so vague and unsubstantial that their minds can 
scarcely grasp it at all ; while their souls, even during 
the most precious moments of spiritual exaltation, real- 
ize it very imperfectly ? 

Immortality is indeed found in the Holy Scriptures* — 
more especially in the New Testament. Christ's divine 
words, and those of His apostles, emphatically conveyed 
to the minds of men the knowledge of a life beyond this 
mortal scene. But how greatly have these blessed 
words been misunderstood or perverted ! Isolated 
passages torn from the context, have been so combined 
and so interpreted as to give rise to the most incon- 
sistent notions — such, for example, as that the immortal 
life of the soul is only intended for a certain class of 
persons, those who die in their sins being annihilated;! 

* Christ said to the Jews, "Ye search the Scriptures, because ye think that 
in them ye have eternal life." — John v. 39. 

t " The advocates of Conditional Immortality or Annihilation maintain, 
from the letter of Scripture, destruction and not endless suffering to be the 
destiny of the lost. They take advantage of the doubt existing as to St. 
Paul's doctrine of the termination of the world in unity — whether by unbe- 
lievers' 1 being completely annihilated, or by their being all finally converted. 
The view that immortality is not inherent in fallen human nature, but is the 
gift of God in Christ, has had many supporters; and in this part of their sys- 
tems, the advocates of annihilation justly claim the authority of many great 
names. But the details of their eschatology are somewhat confused and con- 
flicting "—Encyclopedia Britannica, art. Eschatology. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. \\ 

or the still more absurd doctrine of the resurrection of 
the mortal, material body — after the slumbering of the 
spirit in the grave for unknown ages, till the sounding 
of the " last trump."* Such a literal interpretation of a 
highly figurative passage from the "Apostle of the 
Gentiles " can only spring from the most inconceivable 
spiritual blindness. (Theologlca parabolica non est de- 
monstrativa.) In regard to the Old Testament, the 
words of Dr. Smith (Dictionary of the Bible) are sig- 
nificant : " The rewards and punishments of the Mosaic 
law were temporal; and it was only gradually and 
slowly that God revealed to His chosen people a knowl- 
edge of future rewards and punishments."! 

Indeed, the Sadducees denied the existence of the 
spirit world.J Again, Dr. Smith, in regard to the entire 
Scriptures, says: "Respecting the condition of the 
dead, whether before or after the resurrection, we know 
very little indeed ; nor shall we know anything certain 
until the awful curtains of mortality are drawn aside. 
Dogmatism on this topic appears to be peculiarly mis- 
placed."' (See Dictionary of the Bible, art. Hell.) The 
ultimate fate of the lost has created, says Sir J. Stephen, 
" a whirlpool of interminable controversy, roaring in 
endless circles over a dark and bottomless abyss." In 
contrast with this, I use the grand words of a Spiritual- 



* " The doctrine of an intermediate state produced an Arabian heresy, com- 
bated by Origin, that both soul and body fell into a death sleep, from which 
they will not awake till the last day. Revived at a later time, under the name 
of PsychojxxJinychy, it was made the subject of a treatise by Calvin. But the 
existence of an intermediate 6tate remains a dogma of the Eastern Church 
to this day. To the Western, the doctrine of Purgatory gradually absorbed 
it."— Rev. A. S. Aolen, in Encyclopedia Britannica. 

+ ' The first clear note of immortality in Hebrew literature is struck in the 
'Book of Wisdom,' the work of an Alexandrian Jew." — Ibid. 

X Acts xxiii. 8. 



12 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

ist of great experience : " It is ours then to know that 
the soul exists beyond the tomb; it is ours to render 
gratitude and thanksgiving to Glod ; to pray to angels 
and ministering spirits, to pray for the dead,* and to do 
the work of evangelists, making the whole earth one 
grand cathedral, overarching it with spiritual ideals, 
transfiguring its roughest, darkest features, that it may 
bloom into a garden of transcendent beauty and glory. "f 

It can scarcely be denied that, however widely the 
theoretical belief or dogma of a future life of rewards 
and punishments— of supreme happiness or endless 
misery — pervades the minds of men, in this age of the 
world, as a practical or operative element in human so- 
ciety, it has but little potency. The social relations of 
mankind seem to be scarcely effected by this belief; 
and the political system — as a system — as well as those 
who administer it, manifestly pays no regard to it ; every- 
thing proceeding pretty much as if this life were all 
that man can aspire to ; and when he " surrenders up 
his individual being," he indeed goes "to mix forever 
with the elements " — only that and " nothing more ! " 

Much has been said against what has been called 
"Modern Spiritualism;" uniformly, among those not 
conversant with it, any. allusion to the subject being 
greeted with scoffing and sneers. The basis, however, 



* ' The liturgies of the Latin church, and of all the Eastern churches, 
without exception, contain prayers for the repose of departed souls." — Amer- 
ican Cyclopaedia, art. Purgatory. See The Christian- Doctrine of Prayer for 
the Departed, by the Rev. Frederick George Lee (London, 1872) This work, 
by a Protestant clergyman (Vicar of All Saints, Lambeth), treaty of this sub- 
ject very thoroughly, and contains specimens of the ancient Christian lit- 
urgies, which prove conclusively that it was the practice of the early Chris- 
tians, like the Jews, to " pray for the dead."— See also Eternal Hope, by 
Frederic W. Farrar, D D., P.R.S., Canon of Westminster. (N. Y., 1878.) 

t J. M. Peebles. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 13 

of this so-called "spiritualism", or Spiritism, as the 
French style it) is a belief in spirit communion — in the 
desire and the ability of the spirits of the departed, 
under certiin conditions, to communicate with the 
living. It is said that millions of persons have, within 
the past thirty years, in every part of the civilized 
world, become convinced of the truth of this doctrine — 
by experimental or objective evidence. Certainly, the 
ranks of its believers contain many gifted men in every 
walk of life, and represent every grade of society, from 
royalty down to the lowest condition of human life. 
Its converts have been gathered from every profession 
and every class of thinkers — scientists, clergymen, phy- 
sicians, lawyers, artists, poets — men who have attained 
a high distinction in scientific research, such as Hare 
and Mapes in this country, and Crooks, Wallace, Gold- 
schmidt, and Zoelner, in Europe. Indeed, it has been 
claimed, and apparently with truth, that scarcely an 
individual can be found, who, after a fair investiga- 
tion of the subject, has not become a convert to its 
truth. 

The literature of this subject — the product as it is, of 
a little over a quarter of a century — is one of the most 
wonderful phenomena connected with it.* The growth 
of this belief appears to rival in rapidity that of primi- 

*In this connection, the editor cites a passage from a very able and ex- 
haustive address delivered several months after this part of the work was 
written: "Spiritualism is thirty years old; it counts its adherents by 
millio rature i< published in nearly a score of languages, it has 

entered the pulpit, the laboratory, the busy marts of trade— no place ifl - i re- 
mote that it does not make a stir in it— and it differs from all other move- 
ments that have heretofore left their impress <>;i the race in this, that it i s not 
transplanted, but is spontaneous and self-propagative. It often comes a > 
unbidden and a most unwelcome guest."— The. Rational Of Modern Spirit- 
ualism: An address before the Chicago Philosophical Society, Dec. 14, 1 . I, 
by Frederick F. Cook, of the Chicago Times. 



14 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

tive Christianity itself. Its journals are numerous and 
well sustained ; and its converts and followers are, to a 
considerable extent, composed of men so reputable and 
trustworthy, that the reality of the phenomena, at least, 
must be admitted, unless we are prepared to place no 
reliance at all upon human testimony. It is true that 
many of the phenomena called spiritual — such as rap- 
ping, table-tipping, the ringing of bells, and other me- 
chanical performances, must appear trivial and undig- 
nified, as attributed to the spirits of the dead, toward 
whom all feel a certain degree of solemnity and rever- 
ence. At any rate, this is the first view every one is 
apt to take of it; for we are prone to judge of all things 
according to our own pre-conceived notions. But, if 
we reflect upon the theory [let it be so designated for 
the present] that the spirits of the departed are the 
cause of these phenomena, and that perhaps this is " the 
only way they have to make their presence known to 
certain persons, we shall see that there is no antecedent 
improbability in it even as a theory. 

Passing by, however, all this (and, indeed, the editor of 
this work has scarcely had any experience in this direc- 
tion, nor does he value greatly such phenomena, however 
real they may be, in comparison with those which it is his 
object to explain in this work), there is much of quite a 
different nature, showing an intelligence — of a very pure 
and exalted character — which cannot be accounted for 
except in the manner explained by the intelligence it- 
self : namely, that it comes from those who, having fin- 
ished their earthly career, are enjoying or living a life 
of immortality beyond the grave, and are anxious to 
bring the fact of this existence, and their experience 
therein, to the knowledge of those here below, in order 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 15 

to benefit them, and to advance the interests of Christ's 
spiritual kingdom in both worlds. 

If such be the case, there can be no question that 
this spirit communion brings, or announces, to mankind 
a Hew Dispensation of religious light, coming as it does 
with the same message as of old : " Repent ye : for the 
kingdom of heaven is at hand."* 

Is such a dispensation necessary at this time ? Who 
can doubt it, when he looks abroad over the present 
condition of the so-called Christian nations, and beholds 
the inemcacy of the present religious systems, in the 
death or stagnation of their spiritual power, as far as the 
masses are concerned, to enlighten or control the minds 
of mankind ?f Christianity indeed pours its divine 
effulgence upon millions of minds, and glorious is the 
work achieved by every Christian denomination in 
awakening mankind to a sense of their duties here be- 
low, and their glorious destiny hereafter, if they accept 
it through faith in Christ and his teachings, and in ad- 
monishing them likewise of the dreadful consequences 
of rejecting the holy truths which Christ gave to the 

* The Greek word flBTOLV OEiTE } which means more than repent, implying 
an entire change of mind as well as of heart, in the overthrow of existing 
opinions and creeds, and the bringing in of new doctrines. Such indeed 
was Christ's mission, as it is described to us in the Gospels. 

t Since writing this, the editor has read an excellent editorial article in 
Scribner's Monthly (Jan., 1879), entitled " Religion in These Days,'" which 
more strongly expresses the sentiment of the text. The following brief ex- 
tract is inserted here for the sake of illustration : — 

"That the attitude of prominent men of science towards the great ques- 
tions that relate to God, immortality, the nature of the human soul, and the 
Christian religion, has sadly shaken the faith of a great multitude, there is 
no doubt. Society is honey-combed with infidelity. Men stagger in their 
pulpits, with their burden of difficulties and doubts. The theological semi- 
naries have become shaky places, and faith has taken its flight from an un- 
counted number of souls, leaving them in a darkness and sadness that no words 
can describe. All this is true. It is so true that tears may well mingle in 
one's ink as he writes it." 



16 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

world, and sealed with his precious martyrdom ; bat 
alas ! how little is the hold which Christ's divine mission 
has at present upon the world at large ! As far as this 
world's affairs are concerned, the great majority of man- 
kind — including many professing Christians, and even 
some so-called Christian ministers— live as if there were 
no God, no Christ, no heaven, and no hell, all these being 
the myths of past tradition, and this enlightened age of 
the world — this "age of reason," and science, and intel- 
lectual freedom, were far above the belief in any such 
foolish superstitions. When distinguished scientists 
sneeringly ask, Who has ever seen the soul with the very 
best microscope that can be made ? What physiologist 
has ever found any human spirit in his most minute dis- 
sections? — -when the proud scientist, filled with vain- 
glory by the discovery of some of the laws of light and 
heat, or puffed up with vanity because he has caught a 
vision of something which he daringly calls the " physi- 
cal basis of life ; " and, ready to fall down in adora- 
tion before his new-found deity, Protoplasm, announces 
that he finds in matter the " promise and potency of 
every form of life;" or when he cries Amen ! to his 
brother scientist who has traced, by the law of evolu- 
tion and the " survival of the fittest," to a common 
origin himself and all the rest of the animal creation, 
and glories in his quadrumanous ancestry — when such is 
the age in which we live, an age characterized by the 
worst forms of irreligion, is it improbable that the All- 
Merciful Father should come again to the rescue of his 
benighted creatures, and for this purpose should in part 
unveil the glories of the supersensuous world to which 
all are tending ?* 

* Not scientists alone, but numerous others, of all classes and all tempera- 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATION'S. 17 

The materialistic scientist of these days seems to have 
become so much absorbed in the study of the physical 
laws by which the material universe is governed, that 
he is not only blind to the need or existence of any 
moral government of the world, but falls to perceive 
the Great Legislator and Governor of the Universe 
altogether. Spirit, the spiritual world, the future life ; — 
all that makes man anything but a groveling worm of 
the dust— the creature of an hour— is ignored, or often 
contemptuously denied. 

" O star-eyed Science, hast thou wandered there 
To waft us back the message of despair ? " 

Let the treatment accorded by their fallow scientists 
to the ingenious and learned Crookes, and the candid and 
enlightened Wallace, in England, who, by means of 
patient research and careful experiment, after elimin- 
ating from the spiritualistic phenomena every possibility 
of fraud, illusion, or error, have announced their accep- 
tance of the facts, bear witness to the prejudice and dis- 
ingenuousness of the scientific men of our time. 

The acute and ingenious English philosopher wishes to 
experiment upon the efficacy of prayer. How, forsooth ? 

toents, drift into the dark gulf of skepticism or total disbelief. The words 
Of the gifted bat misguided Shelly may well portray their sad condition : 

" O stream I 

Whoso source is inaccessibly profound, 

Whither do thy mysterious waters tend ? 

'ihou imagest my life. Thy darksome stillness, 

Thy dazzling waves, thy loud and hollow gulfs, 

Thy pearchless fountain and invisible course, 

Have each their type in me. And the wdd sky 

And measureless ocean may declare as soon 

What oozy cavern or what wandering cloud 

Contains thy waters, as the universe 

Tell where these living thoughts reside, when stretched 

Upon thy flowers, my bloodless limbs shall waste 

I' the passing wind ! ''— Mentor. 



18 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

By his own subjective experience ? 0, no ! but by the 
same method that he would employ in testing a scien- 
tific fact or theory.* Those who have ever truly felt 
the blessed influence of fervent prayer, must shudder 
at the thought of such impiety — such an absolute nega- 
tion of spiritual or religious insight. 

These things are referred to in no spirit of unkind 
criticism or invective, but as indicating the characteris- 
tics of the age in which we live, and illustrative of the 
necessity of more objective iiroof of spiritual things, — 
that is, of a new spiritual revelation ; and such truly, the 
editor believes has, in part at least, come through the 
efforts of the blessed spirits in the spheres above 
us. 

Undoubtedly, there is much in so-called Spiritualism, 
calculated to repel. It has its shadows, as well as its 
lights. And has not everything ? Has not what is de- 
nominated Christianity ? Are all practices called Chris- 
tian, are all professors of the Christian doctrine, worthy 
of approval ? Alas ! everything here below has a cer- 
tain admixture of dross ; but does this affect the value 
of the pure gold ? Corruption seems to be the insep- 
arable concomitant of the human mind in this sublunary 
sphere ; and if we reject everything that has abuses, 
counterfeits, perversions, vicious upholders, or indiscreet 
advocates, we shall have nothing left. Even God him- 
self (if the illustration may be permitted) must be re- 

* " Oh, let us get near to God by faith and prayer, and we shall break with 
one of our fingers through the brain-spun meshes of these impotent nega- 
tions. Prove to us that by the word " God " we ought to mean only " vor- 
tices of atoms," or " streams of tendency," and at the end of such triumphant 
demonstrations, we shall but kneel down before Him who made us, and not 
we ourselves, and with bowed head, and sad yet kindling heart, shall pray, 
if possible, with yet deeper conviction, " Our Father which art in Heaven." 
— Farrar. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 19 

jected ; for, alas ! how many there are apparently who 
fail to worship him a in spirit and in truth ! " 

The editor does not, however, profess to be a spiritual- 
ist ; perhaps, he does not understand what the designa- 
tion means.* Remarkable facts have come to his knowl- 
edge (he did not seek them) ; and, although naturally 
incredulous and skeptical, he has not been able to doubt 
the reality of what he has seen and experienced. In- 
deed, the experience has been a great boon. It has 
intensified his faith in religious truth — in the religion 
which Christ taught. It has brought to his mind, as an 
objective reality, the existence of the future world, show- 
ing him (in a general way, of course,) the nature of its 
retributions — the sorrows of the unrepentant sinner, and 
the joys of him who has made his peace with God; it 
has demonstrated, the infinite mercy and forgiveness of 
Him, who the apostle says is Love ; and thus has 
thrown a flood of light upon those points of inquiry 
which have puzzled the minds of thinkers of all ages, 
vindicating the " ways of God to man " beyond all other 
revelations which, it appears to him, mankind have ever 
received, being thus a glorious Theodicea. 

He has shrunk from this publication, which he would 
very gladly have avoided ; but a voice — the voice of 
duty — has sounded for months in his ears, commanding 
him to make these things known to his fellow men. 
He, therefore, takes this step regardless of the con- 
sequences, feeling (to compare small things with great) 
somewhat as the apostle of the Gentiles felt, when he 
said to the Corinthians : "Though I preach the Gospel,! 

* Except as the antithesis of materialist, or a disbeliever in the spirit of 
man and its destined immortality. 

t In the original, the word is Eu ayytXi^cpjitCCl-— to evangelize— spread the 
good tidings,— of course, equivalent to preach the Gospel. (1 Cor., ix., 16.) 



20 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

I have nothing to glory of; for necessity is laid upon 
me ; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the Gospel ! " 
He is not so ignorant of the ways of the world, as to 
believe that this book will be received in the spirit in 
which it is written; that is, that it will be candidly read 
and considered. No; he is prepared to meet with the 
derision and scoffing of those whose minds arc closed 
against spiritual truth by their worldliness and prejudice, 
and with bitter and acrimonious denunciation from the 
supporters of theologic creeds and ecclesiastical systems. 
The worldling will not receive this evangel ; the bigot 
cannot, Seeing, they see, but will not perceive / and 
hearing, they hear, bid will not understand. Indeed, 
were Christ to come again upon the earth, but not (as 
many believe that Ha will) in the clouds, with spiritual 
pomp and glory, to dazzle the eyes of the proud and 
haughty ones of this world, but as he came before, in 
the person of a humble teacher, associating with the 
lowliest of men, yet doing all the miracles that char- 
acterized his first mission, is it at all likely he would be 
received by the conceited theologians, the proud eccle- 
siastics, the arrogant scientists, the scoffing worldlings, 
of the present day ? Alas, no J Crucifixion, it is 
true, he would not have to endure; for that is not the 
present mode of disposing of the blessed messengers of 
unpopular truths ; but that he would still have to van- 
quish the world by his immortal example of suffering, no 
one can doubt. 

This book is written for all who will receive it. May 
God's blessing attend it, as a means of good to man- 
kind 1 No emolument to the editor will ever be per- 
mitted from its sale ; but whatever income may accrue 
from itj will be employed in the cause for which the 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 21 

book is written, and particularly to defray the expense 
of an additional number of copies of the work in a cheap 
form, to be distributed gratuitously among the poor 
outcasts of humanity, who, in these days of gorgeous 
churches, too often have not the " Gospel preached to 
them." May they thus learn that, let their sufferings 
be what they may, they may be made a blessing by 
patient endurance and an unfailing trust in God, with 
the fervent love of their Saviour, Christ, who will never 
desert them ; and, m'oreover, that there is prepared for 
the " poor in spirit " a glorious life of endless bliss — of 
progressive development — beyond the grave, where 
there are no stations in life, but all are the acknowledged 
children of one omnipotent spiritual Father, of infinite 
mercy and loving kindness. 

The editor does not wish to be understood as affirm- 
ing positively that every statement made in these com- 
munications is infallibly true. He is not a believer in 
the infallibility of any books,* scriptures, or doctrines, 
or dogmas proclaimed by the authority of ecumenical 
councils, or of ecclesiastical potentates. He " who 
spake as never man spake," gave us without doubt the 
infallible truth, which the conscience and judgment of 
every one, when spiritually enlightened, immediately 
apprehends and approves. Being spiritual truth, how- 
ever, it must be received into the heart as well as 
grasped by the understanding ; for, as said by St. Paul, 

* " The doctrine of the infallibility of the Bible, in the rigid sense in which 
it is widely held and taught now, was unknown to the early Christian church. 
Indeed, it did not come into existence until the sixteenth century, not 
having been held even by the earliest and greatest of the Reformers. The 
Catholic Church has never adopted it. The Bible testifies of itself that it is 
not infallible, in the fact that it contains many things which it is impossible 
torecoucile with the theory of infallibility. 1 '— J. T. Sunderland, Whai it 
the Bible t (N. Y M 1878.) 



22 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

" the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit 
of God : for they are foolishness unto him : neither can 
he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." 
If the words of our Saviour had not been able to meet 
that test, they could not have been believed ;* for God 
has erected in every man's mind, when made clear by 
spiritual illumination, and consequently divested of all 
pride and conceit, a truly divine judgment, the guidance 
of which is ever sufficient to lead him to the knowledge 
of God, and to teach him to discriminate between the 
true and false in spiritual things. f It is true that Jesus 
spoke " by authority " ; nevertheless he addressed the 
conscience and understanding of his hearers ; and did 
not ask for faith without giving the evidence on which 
it might rest. He addressed the Inner Light, li the 
true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into 
the world" — which makes us, as little children, fit to 
inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.]: Well did Milton 
represent the talk of devils to be 

" Of providence, foreknowledge, will, and fate, 
Fixed fate, free will, foreknowledge absolute, 
Vain wisdom all, and false philosophy." 

All these questions have sprung not from man's spir- 

* "Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right ?" Lake 
xii. 57. 

t " Reason is the only faculty wherehy we have to judge of anything, even 
revelation itself." — Bp. Butleb. " They who believe that reason, and con- 
science, and experience, as well as Scripture, are books of God, which must 
have a direct voice in these great decisions.' 1 — Canon Farbab. 

X " Nations and peoples have ever claimed to have monopolies in religion ; 
ever have they denied that it had any fountains beyond their own prophets 
and their own Sacred Books. But in the light of the scholarship of to-day^ 
we see that all such ideas are narrow and poor. Religion is as universal as 
sunshine, or love, or God. Its fountains are in every land ; its prophets 
• dwell under all skies. It has given mankind not one Sacred Book, but 
many."— Sundebland. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 23 

itual nature, which is as simple as that of the guileless 
child, but from pride of intellect — the special attribute 
of rebellious Satan. Christ's words are so clear and 
intelligible that he who runs may read and fully under- 
stand; and they embody all the religious truth man 
ever needs, if he will only open his heart to receive it- 
Man's judgment is never to be set aside. Let him 
get all the illumination he can, by going, in the deepest 
spirit of love and humility, to the only true source of 
light — the loving Father of us all ; and he shall receive 
a blessed response to every petition. If, like Solomon, 
he asks for Wisdom, his mind shall be penetrated with 
divine effulgence ; and he shall see, although " dimly " 
perhaps, " through the mists and vapors, amid these 
earthly damps," visions of the Beyond, that shall never 
cease to cheer him on this pilgrimage of material life 
and give him a foretaste of immortality. 

May the heavenly messages here presented to the 
world restore hope to the despairing, bring faith to the 
unbelieving, and thus help to teach them how to live, 
and also how to die. Then shall they truly be able to 
exclaim with the Apostle : " O, death, where is thy 
sting ? O, grave, where is thy victory?" 



A NARRATIVE OF FACTS. 

About the middle of May last, the editor's eldest 
daughter suddenly became an intermediary for the 
writing of communications from departed spirits. From 
motives of curiosity, she was induced to visit a person 
professing to be a clairvoyant medium, in this city, who, 



24 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

a short time after she entered the parlor, said: "I see 
over your head, in clear letters, ' We are glad you have 
come ! ' " remarking also, soon afterward, a I see that you 
will be an inspirational teacher of a high order " — or 
words to that effect. Of course, this young lady, with 
her almost absolute ignorance of the whole subject, hav- 
ing never witnessed previously any of the so-called spir- 
itualistic phenomena, could not receive such statements 
but with surprise and incredulity. In a few minutes, 
however, she began to experience a peculiar sensation in 
her right arm ; and her hand, into which a pencil had been 
placed, began to be moved by an external force ; aud de- 
scribed a series of circles, one within the other, but noth- 
ing intelligible was written at the time. 

During the next few days, however, she experienced 
the same sensation in her hand and arm; and, on assum- 
ing the pencil, she was moved to write, in a large and 
somewhat illegible hand, various messages / of which the 
following are examples (the communications ostensibly 
coming from a daughter of the editor's, deceased about 
twenty years ago, and from other spirit friends) : 

"Joy ! joy ! This will be your joy — such joy as you long to 
have in heavenly homes. 

"You must not be afraid. 

"Have courage; you are much stronger for this than 
formerly. 

"We long to have our cause go on, for the good of every 
soul ; and we hope you will not give your fondest pleasure up. 

' ' We need more to help us. 

" Please pray for your many friends who are suffering — gone 
away as your — [mentioning a relative], 

" The best wishes to your husband from the friends long de- 
parted. 

[In answer to a question.] "Yes ; he is with your sister, who 
passed to Heaven. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 25 

"Tell your father we wish to see him here. [At the house of 
the medium, iu order that he might witness the communica- 
tions. ] 

"Please be careful, and go to your father, and say we wish 
lie would come here. 

"We are trying to have all things arranged [i. c, for the 
purpose of convincing us of the truth of the communications]. 

"We are all as happy as you can imagine — forever." 

On the Saturday evening following, by previous ap- 
pointment, the editor, accompanied by his wife, went 
to the residence of his daughter, where were also two 
other visitors — friends of the family. During this even- 
ing, the editor saw, for the first time, what has been so 
frequently described, and is known as table-tipping. All 
he can say is, that when the medium placed her hands 
— or sometimes merely the tips of her fingers — upon a 
small but rather heavy mahogany table, it performed 
the most extraordinary movements, evidently not pro- 
duced by the muscular j^ower of the medium, and indi- 
cating; a most remarkable intelligence. 

The medium also wrote a striking communication 
from the editor's deceased brother; and, the following 
day, only the editor and the intermediary being present, 
a series of communications from the same and other 
deceased relatives were written, and perfectly pertinent 
responses were made to mental questions, as well as in 
reference to matters unknown to the medium. These, 
as they referred to circumstances of a private character, 
are not here given. Suffice it to say, that although the 
phenomenon was quite startling — from its novelty and 
singularity — the editor, seeing how it was written, 
knowing, of course, that imposition was out of the ques- 
tion, and perceiving not the slightest possibility of illu- 
sion, or what has been scientifically called " unconscious 



2G SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

cerebration," could not but recognize it as a veritable 
voice from the beyond — a voice indicating the continued 
existence, and indeed actual presence, of the immortal 
spirit of those whose mortal remains he had seen, years 
before, laid away in the dark and silent grave. 

He would here say, however, that his previous belief 
formed no barrier against the reception of this as a fact, 
because he believed in the immortality of the soul as re- 
vealed by Christ and taught by his apostles, particularly 
in the doctrine so emphatically enunciated by St. Paul 
— "There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual 
body 1,1 — and, "As we have borne the image of the 
earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly " 
— and other passages contained in that sublime chapter 
of the great apostle (1 Cor. xv.) ;* and also in his glori- 
ous epistle to the Hebrews : — " These [the descendants 
of Abraham] all died in faith, not having received the 
promises, but having seen them afar off, and greeted 
them, and confessed that they were strangers and so- 
journers on the earth. For they that say such things 
declare plainly that they seek after a home. And truly, 
if they were mindful of that from whence they came 
out, they might have had opportunity to return. But 
now they desire a better home, that is, a heavenly : 
wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God ; 
for he prepared for them a city." (Hebrews xi. 13-16.) 

And the following, in the next chapter: — 

* " What the Christian Scriptures, and St. Paul, especially, affirm, is not 
any abstruse metaphysical doctrine, concerning mind and matter ; but the 
simple physiological fact of two species of corporeity destined for man ; — the 
first, that of our present animal and dissoluble organization, which we share, 
in all its conditions, with the irrational sentient tribes around us ; and the 
second— a future spiritual structure, imperishable, and endowed with higher 
powers, and many desirable prerogatives.' ' — Isaac Taylok, Physical Theory 
of Another Lift. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 27 

" Wherefore let us also, having so great a cloud of 
witnesses encompassing its, laying aside every weight, 
and sin, which doth naturally enwrap us, run with pa- 
tience the race that is set before us, looking unto the 
author and perfector of the faith, even Jesus." (Ibid. 
xii. 1, 2.)* Certainly, the sublime poet Longfellow 
must have caught his inspiration from these texts, or 
from a veritable spiritual origin, when ho wrote, years 
ago:— 

"All houses wherein men have lived and died, 

Are haunted houses. Through the open doors 
The harmless phantoms on their errands glide, 
With feet that make no sound upon the floors, "f 

"With such passages ringing in his ears, and long treas- 
ured in his heart, as embodying a most blessed hope, it 
is not singular that the editor's mind was not, through 
any antecedent prejudice or preconception, closed 
against the theory of spirit communion or intercourse, 
could it be established by objective facts. That it has 
been so established, let the whole body of experience 
recorded in this volume bear witness. 

Subsequently, but as an experiment for some time, 
he sat by the medium while she wrote communications 
from his most intimate friends deceased, giving always 
pertinent and characteristic replies to all questions he 
asked. These communications have been of a very 
various character — descriptive, didactic, hortatory or 

* In these citations, Dean Alford's revised text has been followed, 
t See the whole poem " Haunted Houses,'''' with many other* — " Resignation,'" 
" Footsteps of Angels,'" &c, which teach with touching pathos the truth of 
spirit presence, and other truths illustrated by the phenomena of Spiritual- 
ism—such, as spirit growth and progression. To these further allusion will 
be made in this work. 

44 Millions of spiritual beings walk the earth, 
Both when we wake and when we sleep." — Mdt<m. 



28 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

admonitory, solemn, or, occasionally, familiar — involving 
a revelation of the condition of different grades of 
spirits and their progressive improvement, but all ex- 
ceedingly pure and elevated in tone, and confirming in 
every particular the fundamental truths of primitive 
Christianity. It is true that almost the first communi- 
cation purported to come from a repentant suffering 
spirit (one well known in this life), and the message 
was, " Pray for me ! " but it cannot be unknown to 
most intelligent and well-informed Christians — Protes- 
ant as well as Catholic— that praying for the dead was 
a common practice in the early churches, as their litur- 
gies show; and it is a remarkable fact that some 
thoughtful Protestant divines, by a careful study of the 
Scriptures in the original, have recently been led to the 
emphatic enunciation of this doctrine.* The truths 
most earnestly presented are those that Christ and his 
apostles taught, — our duty to love God with all our 
heart, to love each other, and to follow the divine ex- 
ample of our Saviour in all things; and faith in the 
eternal world — a world of future (ceonian)j rewards 

* I would refer the reader particularly to the volume of sermons, etc. 
recently published by Canon Farrar, of Westminster, entitled Eternal Hope, 
as a proof of what is here asserted. The following passages are cited ; but 
the whole book is an emphatic and eloquent denunciation of the popular 
notions in regard to the future life and its retributions. " We will declare 
our hope and trust — if it be not permitted us to go so far in this matter as be- 
lief and confidence— that, even after death, through the infinite mercy of the 
loving Father, many of the dead shall be alive again, and the lost be found.' 1 
(Sermon on " Hell " — What it is not.) — " The Knddish, or prayer for the dead 
in the Jewish liturgies is probably as old as the time of our Lord, and if so 
was by him unreproved, though it was believed to be efficacious for the relief 
of souls in Gehenna. 1 ' (Excursus V.) 

See also note to page 12, and farther on in this work. 

t This word has been the great bone of contention among theologians. 
See Eternal Hr>p>t>, by Farrar (Excursus III.). I cite this sublime passage : 
"When, with your futile billions, you foist into this word diGovioS tho 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 29 

and punishments. All this will be made obvious by 
copious citations in subsequent chapters. 

The obvious fact in regard to all the communications 
is that there is an intelligence manifesting itself, differ- 
ent and apart from the mind of the person writing. 
This is shown by various circumstances : — (1) The mode 
of holding and using the pencil [a pen is never used] is 
very different from that employed by the medium her- 
self in her ordinary writings. (2) The style of writing 
is very different from her own, the letters being gener- 
ally much larger and more irregular, and, besides, the 
writing is often executed with great force and rapidity ; 
sometimes the pencil seems to be held in the hand by a 
peculiar magnetic force, which, in part at least, controls 
the movement. (3) The style of thought is very differ- 
ent from that of the medium, often rising to great force 
and sublimity, very far beyond what the medium her- 
self is capable of conceiving or composing. (4) The 
diction is peculiar — while showing as many variations 
in style as the spirits communicating, yet abounding in 
peculiar words and phraseology, at times obscure, yet 
perfectly significant and expressive. (5) The facts ex- 
pressed or referred to are often beyond the knowledge or 
experience of the medium. (Questions have been asked 
of the controlling intelligence in the absence of the medi- 
um, and have been pertinently answered through the 
medium when present. For instance, the medium 
having left the room, a question has been asked, which 
has been fully answered on the medium's return).* (6) 

fiction of endless time, you do but give the lie to the mighty oath of that great 
angel, who set one foot upon the sea, and one upon the land, and with hand 
uplifted to heaven, sware by Him who liveth for ever and ever that 'Time 
should be no more.' "—Sermon on " Hell " — What it. is not. 
* It is proper to say here that a young son of the editor was suddenly de- 



30 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

The medium sometimes appears to be scarcely conscious 
of the thoughts which she writes; and on the papers 
being shown to her after a short interval, she scarcely 
remembers (sometimes has quite forgotten) that she 
wrote them. To one who has not seen the writing ex- 
ecuted, it is scarcely possible to impart a correct con- 
ception of the manner in which it is done. The theory 
that the ideas expressed are only those of the medium 
herself, is excluded by the fact that what is written is 
often beyond her knowledge, or experience (as has 
already been stated) ; nor are they in the mind of any 
person present. Moreover, this hypothesis is pre- 
cluded by the fact that the medium's mind is in an en- 
tirely normal condition, as far as can outwardly be 
ascertained. She is in no trance or somnambulic state, 
but simply takes the pencil, and feels, at first, her hand 
controlled, and then, very soon, both mind and hand, 
the movement being apparently effected by a mechani- 
cal moving of the hand, and an impression of thought 
(and language to some extent) upon the mind. [The 
medium sometimes says she hears the words before they 
are written.] The operation seems to be quite complex ; 
but the rationale of it is altogether inexplicable. In- 
deed, the spirits seem not to be able to explain it in any 
terms comprehensible by us. 

A very marked feature of these writings is their nat- 
uralness as the communications or utterances of the per- 
sons from whom they purport to come. A spirit is 

veloped as an extraordinary writing medium a few days after the development 
of his daughter. The experiment referred to has heen frequently made 
through him. The communications written through him are not here espe- 
cially referred to, althongh very valuable for illustration ; because, coming 
through the mind of a child (about twelve years old), they are necessarily 
of a simple character. They will, however, be used to exemplify and illus- 
trate many points further on in the work. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS: 31 

called, a question is asked, or a remark made ; and the 
response comes just as naturally as if the person ad- 
dressed were actually present, and spoke with fleshly 
lips and tongue. Of this many examples will be given. 
No supposition other than that it is veritably the 
spirits of the departed who are communicating appears 
to be at all tenable. If intelligences using such lan- 
guage, giving such instruction, inspiring such thoughts, 
and urging on to such conduct, can be only the devices 
or instruments of the principle of evil, or the dread 
being who personifies it, then indeed is the all-power- 
ful, the all-wise, and the all-pure God dethroned from 
the moral government of the universe which he created, 
and it has become a wilderness of lies — a moral chaos — 
a spiritual usurpation of the evil one, under which every 
sacred name, every holy precept, and every divine truth 
may be sacrilegiously employed for the deception and 
destruction of God's creatures — those creatures whose 
souls he gave his only Son to redeem. Oh, no ! God — 
the Infinite in mercy, wisdom, and purity, reigns su- 
preme ; and they who are evil can do us no hurt except 
with our own permission. The holy names of God and 
Christ cannot be used to tempt us away from the path 
that leads to His everlasting kingdom. Imagine (if it 
is not blasphemy to do so) Satan allying himself with 
Christ to save the world — to convert the people to a 
belief in Christ's doctrine, bidding them to love the 
Lord their God with all their heart, and their neighbors 
as themselves ! That indeed would be a millennium. 
But blind theology can see no other than a Satanic 
source for anything that controverts its dogmas. When 
the Saviour preached his divine doctrine in Jerusalem, 
the arrogant ecclesiastics of that time said, " He hath a 



32 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

devil ; " because they saw their power over the poor 
and ignorant would be destroyed by his words. His 
response is well known.* 

And what antecedent improbability of the hypothesis 
of spirits communicating can exist in the minds of 
Christians ? Have their departed friends, in their be- 
lief, been annihilated as intelligences, or are they slum- 
bering unconsciously in their graves, to be awakened 
only by the sound of the " last trump," at the day in- 
definitely understood as the Day of Judgment ? I am 
aware that there are some who believe — and think they 
find in the Sacred Scriptures — the doctrine that the soul 
after death is kept in a condition of unconscious nothing- 
ness for an indefinite number of ages, while the mortal 
body is dissolving into its parent dust, its fluids dissi- 
pated, its gases passed off into air, and entering into 
new combinations of matter, to form other organisms, 
vegetable and animal ; but that, at the Last Day — the 
day of " general resurrection," all these elements will 
be reunited in their pristine bodies, and the souls will 
then be resuscitated to inhabit them. But, if the soul is 

* "If the doctrine confirmed by a non-natural effect is not opposed to any 
truth, if all its attendent circumstances are in accordance with God's divine 
attribntes, we are bound to acknowledge that the doctrine so proclaimed 
bears the sanction of God himself." — Joins, Evidences of Religion (N. T., 
1877., with the Cardinal's Imprimatur.) 

This able writer, a Jesuit, says, after laying down the above excellent test : 
" All the facts of Spiritism cannot be denied ; for oftentimes they are at- 
tested by many unimpeachable witnesses, who, being incredulous, took every 
possible precaution against deception." — "An intelligent cause with free 
will is clearly at work, since not unfrequently the desired effect is not ob- 
tained, though all the means considered necessary for its production have 
been employed." Then, on false promises, he asserts : " God caDnot be 
looked upon as the author of these phenomena, nor as sanctioning them. It 
is the evil spirit who is the author of the phenomena indicating intelligent 
agency, and he makes use of all this to deceive mankind." The writer 
evidently knows but little of the phenomena which he thus summarily con- 
demns 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 33 

immortal, where is its place of repose during this inter- 
mediate period of torpidity ? And if such is the case at 
present, why was it not so when Christ said, " God is 
not the God of the dead but of the living n f Certainly, 
at the Transfiguration, Moses and Elias were not slum- 
bering in their graves. The custom of the Jews to pray 
for the dead (see 2d Maccabees, xii, 43-46), and the same 
practice of the early Christians, as seen by the inscrip- 
tions on the catacombs, indicate a very different belief 
on their part. This and many other absurd notions 
have their origin in the practice, too common, of basing 
theological dogmas upon one or more isolated texts of 
Scripture, instead of looking along the whole line of 
Scriptural teaching.* 

If then it is most consonant with reason and Scripture 
to believe that the spirits of the dead pass at once, after 
death, into a state of conscious existence, is it not natu- 
ral to suppose that they would wish to communicate 
with the dear ones on earth ? 

" When the hours of day are numbered, 

And the voices of the night 
Wake the better soul, that slumbered, 

To a holy, calm delight ; 

"Then the forms of the departed 

Enter at the open door ; 
The beloved, the true-hearted, 

Come to visit me once more, "f 

* Here the grand words of Canon Farrar may well be quoted : — " Once 
more, in the name of Christian light and liberty ;— once more in the name of 
Christ's promised spirit ;— once more in the name cf the broadened dawn 
and the daystar which has arisen in our hearts ; — I protest, at once and finally, 
against this ignorant tyranny of isolated texts, which has ever been the curse 
of Christian truth, the glory of narrow intellects, and the cause of the worst 
days of the corrupted Church."— Eternal Hope. 

t Longfellow, Voices of the Night. 



34 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

The mission of the good — in the land of spirits — is 
still to do good. They are imitating the Master; and, 
all selfishness having been eliminated from their nature, 
their desire is to bring all whom they can reach nearer 
and nearer to their own pure and happy state of being.* 

The communications received by the editor and his 
family appear to illustrate several grades or conditions 
of spirit life. Those of the higher character are eleva- 
ting, both morally and spiritually. They breathe the 
purest spirit of religious truth. They correspond ex- 
actly with the teachings of the blessed Saviour — those 
divine Beatitudes, which ought to be written upon the 
tablet of every person's heart, as his guide to virtue 
here and a glorious immortality hereafter. They incul- 
cate Christ's great law of love to God and man. They 
teach the infinite mercy of God — presenting him to us 
as truly our Heavenly Father — as Christ taught us to 
address him, and the Holy Scriptures so often present 
him to our minds and hearts. They do not teach ever- 
lasting punishment, but neither do they say that there 
is no soul who may not incur such a penalty.! They do 
teach that repentance, always and eoerywhere, brings the 
forgiveness of God.J 

* The following words of the learned Dr. Clarke are cogent in this connec- 
tion :—" (1) I believe there is a supernatural and spiritual world in which 
human spirits, both good and bad, live in a state of consciousness ; (2) I be- 
lieve that any of these spirits may, according to the order of God, in the laws 
of their places of residence, have intercourse with this world, and become 
visible to mortals." (Commentary on Samuel.) The editor of this work thinks 
he may say that he not only believes this, but that he knows it. 

t " And if you ask me whether I must believe in endless torments, for these 
reprobates of earth, my answer is, Ay, for these andfor.thee, and for me too, 
unless we learn with all our hearts to love good and not evil."— Farrar. 

X See that remarkable passage in Ezekiel, xxxiii, 7-20. Who on reading 
these glorious promises can limit them to the short span of our earthly lives I 

The following words of a Christian minister are also cogent in this con- 
nection : — " Man is apt to turn away from sin when he receives more light ; 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 35 

But, perhaps, some will say : Are you going to super- 
sede the Bible as the standard of religious truth by 
these uncertain teachings ? Supersede the Bible ! Oh, 
no ! We come, say the spirits, with new light to prove 
the glorious truths of the Bible. We come to banish dis- 
cord, by giving all men truly "the substance of things 
hoped for and the evidence of things not seen." We 
come to help men — all mankind — to that perfection of 
Christian Faith which is effectual "to the saving of 
of the soul ; " so that they may not need to say, We know 
not indeed ; — but we believe ; but may be able to say, 
We know, and therefore must believe. We come to 
lift "the curtain of impenetrable darkness" which has 
hitherto hung " between mankind and the unseeii 
world."* We come to do away with the corrupt accre- 
tions of ages, which have so encumbered the rich soil 
of Gospel truth, that it is with difficulty any pure doc- 
trine can take root in it.f We come to dispel the in- 

and it would seem consistent that, with the light which he will receive after 
death, he will turn from sin." — Rev. James M. Pullman, N. Y. 

* The whole passage is suggestive. (See Canon Farrar, Eternal Hope, pp. 
11, 12). "Not to one," he says, " of all the unnumbered generations, whose 
dust is blown upon the desert winds has it been permitted to breathe one 
syllable or letter of the dim and awful secret beyond the grave." Beautiful, 
rhetorically ; but O, how untrue ! Is this the language of a Christian 
divine ? Is there nothing of that "awful secret " in Christ's divine words, 
" In my Father's house are many mansions " ? Nothing in the Apocalypse ? 
Not " one syllable " ? And where, O men of piety and culture, have you lived 
during the last quarter of a century ? Do you know nothing of what that 
derided class of people called Spiritualists have been doing? "Can there 
any good thing come out of Nazareth ? " " Come and sec." 

t People reject spiritualistic truth because they say the Bible is sufficient ; 
but a large part of the Christian world say it is not sufficient— that it is so 
obscure that religious light cannot be safely looked for in it, but that this 
must come from the teachings of the Church, which retains the traditions of 
Christ, and the head of which is supernaturally inspired to supplement these 
traditions, from time to time, by encyclical letters, bulls and papal edicts, etc., 
etc. Besides, the Protestant sects differ widely as to the real meaning of 
many parts of the Bible. In their Bibliolatry, they dispute violently over 



36 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

tellectual and spiritual darkness with which, by means 
of complicated creeds and unintelligible dogmas — those 
things of man's device — Christ's glorious spiritual light 
has been so long shrouded, and veiled from the minds 
of mankind. In short, we come to usher in a new 
illumination from the spirit world, which, in the provi- 
dence of an all-merciful Creator, shall dispel the dark 
mists of atheism, materialism, and infidelity in all its 
forms, and lead mankind back to the knowledge of God 
and immortality, and help to bring Christ's glorious 
kingdom upon earth; so that all shall say, with the 
shepherds of Bethlehem, when they welcomed the first 
coming of the blessed Jesus ■ " Glory to God in the 
highest, and on earth Peace, God Will toward Men ! " 

its interpretation, and utter anathemas upon each other for a misconstruc- 
tion of certain texts and dogmas. They appear to have lost the key by 
which they may unlock the mysteries of the sacred book, and find what is 
really saving truth. In farther illustration of this fact, the following passage 
is cited from a recent work by a Christian divine (Professor Town send, of 
the Boston University) : "Human research, unaided, seems to do little more 
for us than to formulate and place upon our lips a creed like that of a dis- 
tinguished New England Eadical : ' We are tenants at will, liable at any 
moment to be served with a notice to quit. But what proof of immortality ? 
None, we must confess, but hope.'' Being in such a plight, personally knowing 
nothing of the future, near or remote, especially after the death warrant is 
issued and executed, no friend really having returned to speak with us, and che 
reports of those whom medium spiritualists assert have returned being so 
extremely contradictory, Avhat better course can one propose than the pres- 
ent study of the sayings of our Lord and his apostles ? " But we may say to 
this Christian minister, "Are not these Scriptures to which you refer contra- 
dictory in some respects, as well the reports of the Spiritualists ? " See Wliat 
is the. Bible, by J. T. Sunderland, for an answer. This, indeed, does not in- 
validate the Scriptures ; nor does the same circumstance invalidate the facts 
of Spiritualism, which are all we have to prove the soul's immortality, as 
confessed above. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 37 



II. 

NARRATIVE CONTINUED, WITH VARIOUS SPECIMENS 
OF SPIRIT COMMUNICATIONS. 

In the first period of these communications, the inter- 
course was confined to what purported to be the spirits 
of a deceased brother and daughter of the editor, and 
the spirits of other very intimate relatives and friends 
of the family. The messages were exceedingly striking 
and natural — simple and familiar, but very good in their 
tendency. A few specimens of this grade are here pre- 
sented : — 

[From Sarah R. — a deceased relative, of great sweetness and 
purity of character while on earth.] 

"Lizzie, I love you well. Love God, and all will be well. 
Seek your soul's happy future. Be faithful unto your heart's 
own glory." 

"Jane, be a good woman. You are my heart's true fellow. 
Love your children, for your heart's own happiness will be your 
heavenly reward. Love God ; he is your happiness here." 

Do you see Mollie ? [Daughter of the editor, who died nearly 
twenty years ago, at the age of five.] 

" Yes, often. She is a lovely spirit." 

Has she grown up ? 

" She is a heavenly woman."* 

* How wonderfully this corresponds with the doctrine of Longfellow's beau- 
tiful poem, lies iff nation ! 

" Not as a child shall we again behold her ; 

For when, with raptures wild, 
In our embraces we again enfold her, 

She will not be a child ; 
But a fair maiden, in her Father's mansion, 

Clothed with celestial grace ; 
And beautiful with all the soul's expansion, 
Shall we behold her face." 
" A heavenly woman,'"— that phrase expresses it all. 



38 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

"My dear H. — happy forever. Love God, and all will be 
well. From God we are a happy band of spirits." 

[To her daughter.] "My dear Fannie, please hear your 
mother's fond message to your heart. I am happy, and am with 
you in your joys and troubles. You are a good woman, but be 
better. Have great care for your soul's future happiness. 
Never mind the cares of life. Tour home I admire." 

Do you ever see ? 

" No ; I think he is in darkness, but I am not sure." 

On another occasion, the following was written by 

what purported to be the spirit of Milly McN , a 

young lady friend of the medium, on earth gifted with 
lovely traits of character : 

[No call or question.] " My dear Mr. K., I have much to say 
to you to-night. Seek your heart's welfare. Heaven is here. 
We are fearfully made in God's likeness. Clear your path from 
all wickedness. Mollie [editor's daughter] is your heavenly 
protector. Heaven is her home. Heaven is more than I can 
describe." 

Then came a change in the hand- writing ; and it was 
written : — 

"Mollie is here now, my dear papa. I love you dearly, my 
dear papa. I love to be near, and to protect you from evil. 
Heavenly things are yours forever, my dear papa." — " I wish I 
could tell you all I know ; but Mollie cannot. Wait patiently. 
God will show his wonders for himself. I do not know what 
to say. Forever you are blest, my dear papa."* — "My dear 
sister [the medium], I am glad you are improving in courage. 
Do not fear. Mollie will ever be your guide, if God is your de- 
sire." — " My dear Louis, I am glad to see your heart is w T ith 
God. Never fear. All is for your happiness, good, and com- 

* The publication of these details of an affectionate intercourse, to be 
scanned by many cold and sneering readers, is quite repulsive to the editor ; 
but he is impelled by an irresistible sense of duty to present each phase of 
this spirit communion ; since, by that means, many minds of diverse char- 
acter may be reached. Some will, perhaps, appreciate this charming sim- 
plicity of a pure and loving nature, far more than the sublime and eloquent 
communications presented in subsequent chapters. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 39 

fort. Be .a faithful man, and Mollie will be your guide to 
Heaven. — Mollie. " 

[Change of control.'] MillyMcN. [again written]. — "My dear 
friends, fear not. Heaven is a happy home, with flowers strewn 
with love profound, with goodness yet unknown. I know not 
how to describe it, for such is not known except on passing the 
verge of Jordan." 

All the details of questions and answers, of which 
accurate notes were taken, are not here presented, as 
involving matters of family privacy, and unnecessary 
for the establishment of the case to be made out. Some 
of these may be used in subsequent chapters, as illus- 
trative of particular phases of the phenomena. The 
following, however, affords a good illustration of the 
affectionate intercourse so suddenly and so wonderfully 
established between a sister in heaven and one on earth ; 
as well as of the truth of angel guardianship : — 

[From Mollie.] " Emma, will you ask your Father in Heaven 
to come to your heart, and give you his grace and love, to help 
you in his heavenly ways of mercy and great kindness ? He is 
ever ready to listen to those who call for his heavenly protec- 
tion. Heaven is your home, if you will love God better than 
you do now. He is a high monarch of great heavenly glory. 

Mollie wishes you to help to be a better man. He is in a 

good way to a better life than some time before. I hope God will 
keep him in it forever, to his heart's great happiness, which is 
awaiting him in his heavenly home." 

It will strike the candid reader as having a great deal 
of significance — as a test of authenticity at least — that 
the medium should write, as she has, many admonitory 
communications, addressed to herself as well as to 
others. Nothing can indicate more clearly the separate 
intelligence expressing itself through her; and the 
purity and excellent tendency of the writings them- 
selves forbid the supposition that, whatever theory may 



40 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

be held in regard to the intelligence, it should be a 
" lying spirit; " since it certainly is not the function of 
a "lying spirit " to enjoin the love of God, and the lead- 
ing of a virtuous and pious life as the true means of 
preparing for the joys of heaven. Christian conversion, 
which, in some cases, has resulted from the influence of 
these blessed messages, would be a singular offspring 
of the demon of deception. u By their fruits ye shall 
know them." 

Another message is appended as indicating the same 
feeling of love and spiritual purity: — 

"My dear Emma, please hear the words of God, given for his 
creatures, of love and kindness. You are doing good in God's 
high light of heaven, although you may not feel it, nor under- 
stand it ; but patience will be your entrance into God's heavenly 
glory. Do not be uneasy in well-doing. Mollie sends great 
love, and blesses you. Good night ! " 

On a subsequent occasion, only the medium and her 
husband, L. F. Weismann, being present, the latter in- 
quired of the same spirit in regard to the book pub- 
lished by Judge Edmonds* on Spiritualism, Mr. Weis- 
mann having recently perused it, and received the fol- 
lowing responses : — 

"God is the author of it, through his love to all his people. 
Judge Edmonds was God's instrument through whom it was 
written for the instruction of all God's creatures. Those who 
do not believe will be sorry, when it is too late, that they were 
so blind, "f 

* John W. Edmonds, born in 1799, died in 1874 : one of the ablest ex- 
ponents and advocates of Spiritualism. His two volumes on this subject, 
published in 1854-5, are deserving of the deepest attention. 

t It is proper to say here that the medium had not read the writings of 
Judge Edmonds ; nor, indeed, has she perused, but to a very limited extent, 
the spiritualistic literature. Previous to the commencement of tbese com- 
munications, she took no interest at all in the subject — indeed, had no faith 
in it ; and, even at the present time, she probably takes less interest in the 
matter than any of her relatives and friends. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 41 

Can Judge Edmonds communicate with us ? 

" Judge Edmonds is here if you wish it. 

"Edmonds, Judge." 

The following was then written : — 

"Have you heard that life is not all in vain? Heaven is 
reached through its great vale of sorrow." 

Some one happened to speak to the medium, aDd it 
was written : — 

" Do not speak to the medium while under control. She will 
become entranced for the benefit of future life." 

This brief communication from Judge Edmonds ap- 
pears to have been the commencement of a long series of 
messages of a higher character than had hitherto been 
received, corning from the spirits of persons — chiefly- 
deceased friends and acquaintances of the editor — out- 
side of the family circle. Thus, on the 29th of June, 
the editor being present with the medium, he was 
startled by seeing the name William Eelden, Jr., writ- 
ten — an almost life-long acquaintance of the editor's — 
and one with whom he had been associated in various 
relations. Although by profession a clergyman, Mr. B. 
had been principal, successively, of three of the public 
schools in this city, and was for some years associated 
with the editor as a teacher in the Normal School in 
this city. He was, while living, a man of a highly re- 
ligious character. The name having been written, the 
following message immediately followed : — 

1 ' Mr. Kiddle, I am happy to have you hear the words of God 
through the medium, your daughter. Will you please note 
well my doings in the happy life beyond your own ? We ever 
love to see your heartfelt wishes for all goodness. Be al ways 
the man you would wish to he, if God is your happiness." 

Then came a change, and the medium wrote : — 

" Emma, the Judge is here to see your father. 

" Mollie" [the medium's sister.] 



42 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

Then the following was written : — 

"My dear friends, may God send his holy "blessings upon 
your heads to help your onward work of God's high love to all 
good souls of righteousness. Be good heavenly people — soul 
and body. Never fear what you know is for good, and hope 
ever ; for all heavenly benediction will help your cause. For- 
ever we bless you in God's name. Amen * Judge Edmonds." 

The editor then said, " Can you give any advice, in 
order that these communications may be made to serve 
God's purposes ? " And it was immediately written :— 

"Yes, O, yes 1 Help, help, help, always help your people 
to see the light of Heaven's world of glory. Hope ever to feel 
the best to favor your praiseworthy mission. Much will be 
your reward. Never fear to tell because of derision. You have 
all the means requisite for your purpose. Better prepare a 
book, through the medium, as a heavenly proof to show that 
your light is not forever lost to God's creative powers, with 
many blessings from all above to show their love and heavenly 
protection. What possible fear can you have of failure ? Do 
hasten to help your life to come. Here we are watching, hoping, 
and praying that we may people our world of happiness by 
your mighty help through us your designers of good. This 
will show that your mind's altitude is above this earthly world, 
and heaven is your home. Judge." 

It was then asked by the editor, " Will my friend 
W. Belden tell me whether or not he is in a happy 
state of being?" To this the following response 
came : — 

"Yes, indeed: you need scarcely ask me that, when I feel 
God's love is so strong, that I could move a mountain by his 
permission to do so. Be faithful ; your God is everywhere, to 
help his creatures to their high life. Will you not strive to do 
what he almost commands, by ever praying for his aid ? Better 
write a book as the j udge would wish ; and I am sure you will 
save many from damnation. " 

Then came a change, and it was written : — 

"My dear friend, I, the Judge, am here again. Don't fear 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 43 

that I will intrude often. I wish only to offer my heartiest sym- 
pathy, to prepare your mind, and hasten your work for all." 

After a few more communications, of a private char- 
acter, from the spirit of a relative, the following was 
unexpectedly written : — 

"William. Belden, Sen. :* Better pray for God's assistance 
with regard to the hook you are contemplating ; and you will he 
astonished with what success you will meet, if your heart is for 
the henefit of God's souls in darkness. Teach them their "black- 
ness of heart, hy opening their eyes to their future hright home, 
with God and heavenly companions. We do not think you 
need be very particular in your first chapters. Merely a state- 
ment of facts coming from you, Henry Kiddle, will he consider- 
able satisfaction for many unbelievers, who need awakening 
sadly. Their Holy Bible is not sufficient proof of God's life 
hereafter, f with which it is full. Better not speak of that at 
first, it will only he throwing goodness to the dogs." 

Of the last sentence, an explanation having been 
asked, the response was : — 

" I mean many will not have faith, unless you give them the 
proof first." 

This was followed by some very remarkable commu- 
nications from the spirit, addressed to several of his 
surviving relatives. These it is not deemed proper to 
insert here ; although many of them are very striking. 

A few days subsequently, the following, purporting to 

* Father of the William Belden before referred to. He was also an inti- 
mate friend and associate of the editor of this work, for many years. He 
died about 1857. 

t That is, the life hereafter which God has provided. There is, sometimes, 
an apparent want of logical as well as grammatical precision in the phrase- 
ology ; but a little scrutiny will almost always show that the meaning is per- 
fectly explicit. The ideas, given through the medium, are often affected or 
impaired in expression by the peculiarities of her own mind, especially 
in regard to the selection of words and phrases. Quite often the wrong 
preposition is used *. and it is a marked characteristic that the possessive 
case is used when in ordinary parlance a preposition would be employed. It 
must also be borne in mind that these writings are executed with great, 
sometimes startling, rapidity. 



44 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

come from "W. B., Jr., was written, being addressed to 
the medium and her husband, they alone being pres- 
ent : — 

"My dear friends, — I am glad to see you are progressing in 
God's heavenly knowledge. Believe me, you are doing God's 
most gracious work of love to all mankind. Goodness will 
lead you to all happiness. Goodness will be God's reward 
to all his children of mercy and loving kindness. Joy to 
you both. Your hearts are with Him who gave them 
birth ; you are doing the work of God's high love, for your 
soul's happiness in heaven. Will you please ask your Father 
to give you all strength forever, to increase this world's great 
hope of future life in God's high home of love, for all his 
chosen. You will have done your duty, if God but give you his 
help to proceed. You are selected for it by heavenly messen- 
gers of God. That you may ever feel all heavenly comfort to 
your heart's glory on high, is the wish of your heavenly friend, 

" William Belden, Jr." 

In the further development of this phase of the sub- 
ject, other communications, somewhat similar in char- 
acter, are presented. The decidedly religious, and it 
may be said Christian, tone of these messages is a striking 
feature of them. 

It is proper to say, however, that about this time, 
but to some extent at an earlier date, there were occa- 
sionally unmistakable indications that wicked or mock- 
ing spirits were communicating. Some of these wrote 
plausible and deceptive messages ; but their true char- 
acter was, however, soon discovered ; and it was also 
soon ascertained that fervent prayer to the Almighty 
was a necessary preliminary to all intercourse with the 
spirits, so as to protect ourselves, and, as they informed 
us, for their protection also. The power of prayer, as 
a great spiritual and moral force, was never so strikingly 
shown ; and even the scientist who demanded a practi- 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 45 

cal or experimental test of its efficacy, must have been 
satisfied, could he have witnessed the phenomena in 
their entirety. As a special chapter of this volume is 
devoted to the subject of the Spirits of the Loicer 
Spheres, no further reference will be made to it here. 
What has been said, however, is necessary to the un- 
derstanding of that which follows. 

On the 5th of July, after offering prayer, the editor 
called for his friend, John Hecker ^ a wealthy flour mer- 
chant of this city, but connected as an active worker 
in many philanthropic and religious enterprises, and, as 
a school officer and collaborator in other respects, inti- 
mately associated with the editor during about ten years. 
Mr. Hecker was the author of the " Scientific Basis of 
Education," in the preparation of which he was assisted 
by the editor. (He died in 1874.) The following was 
written : — 

John Hecker [ name written to announce the presence of 
the spirit].—" My dear Mr. Kiddle, thank God I am here. I will 
give you all aid in my power for good to yon. What will you 
have, my dear friend? It shall be granted, if God is willing, to 
you, and to all friends of goodness and high life to come. We 
are here to protect our cause. You do well to send for bless- 
ings to heaven's Father. [Alluding to our prayers.] We hope 
you will believe my soul's happiness is for you who love God, 
and reverence his name. Do you not feel this is a work of 
mighty importance to God's creatures ? Fear not, then, but push 
on in the right path of God's infinite and boundless love, if he 
is your desire to help your heart's home above. Many friends 
are here to see you now. Wish them in your heart, and they 
are here to bless and protect you for all eternity. Heaven is our 
home of worship, after a long and partly wearisome journey. 
But keep on in God's will. He will always reward your honest 
purposes, if your heart is sincere, not merely curious." 

Have you changed any of your views since leaving this 
world ? 



46 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

' ' Yes, almost all. Some few only were correct. " 

It was then written in a somewhat different hand : — 

' ' Many friends are liere, such, as John Hecker, William Bel- 
den, Mr. Seton, &c." 

Then came an admonitory communication, ostensibly 
from the medium's sister : — 

" Mollie wishes you to speak to . She is not doing all 

she should to help her to God's heavenly home. Be earnest in 

this your high mission. Do not fail in any point. is 

only a foolish woman, but in her heart good to many. For ail 
this, we respect her forever. Mollie." 

The following communications were then written, 
one after the other, with great rapidity : — 

"Henry Kiddle, we bless you in God's name. Do not hesi- 
tate to assume your part in creation, which, alas ! many fail to 
see in its true light, much to their regret and sorrow hereafter, 
I am your old friend, Wm, Belden." 

Is it Mr. Belden, Sen., who writes f 

"Yes, senior." 

Then immediately followed : — 

" Mr. Kiddle, I am your sincere friend always. J. W. Ge- 
rard* — all well forever in God's glory." 

" Henry Kiddle, heaven is Almighty God's home of bliss to 



* An eminent lawyer of this city, particularly distinguished for the inter- 
est he took in the public schools. The writer knew him well ; and it was 
his privilege to attend the meeting called by his associate school officers (Feb. 
14, 1874) , after his decease, to pay a tribute to his memory, on which occasion 
the writer said : " Though we deeply feel his loss, and cannot forbear mourn- 
ing at the thought that we shall see his face no more on earth, yet lamenta- 
tion for him were idle and selfish. He has lived beyond the bounds of man's 
appointed time on this mortal sphere— he has been gathered like a ' shock of 
wheat fully ripe ; ' but though gone from us he slill exists in a sphere where 
his virtues and faculties will find wider scope for their exercise.'" The editor 
little thought then that it would be given to him to converse again with his- 
departed friend, as if face to face, listening to words as natural and character- 
istic as ever fell from his lips here on earth. Other communications from 
Mr. Gerard, to be offered in the subsequent part of this book will, perhaps, 
make this more apparent. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 47 

all creatures who bless liis holy name in this vale of sorrow. I 
am your holy friend, Mr. Seton."* 

"Mr. Kelly" (somewhat obscurely written.) 

Is it my old friend Kelly ? 

"Yes ; I am your friend Kelly, who used to have good times 
with you in God's earth. He often remembers them in homes 
above your life, which should be always pure. With many 
blessings, always I am yours, James Kelly, "f 

This was followed by : — 

" I am your faithful friend, William Belden, Jr." 

The editor remarked, " Yes ; Mr. Belden was the 
teacher of my youth, as well as my friend ; " and the 
following response came : — 

' ' Yes, certainly ; I was your poor teacher, of little importance 
except to have you hear my voice of learning, which, although 
weak in power, was mighty at heart. We send you greetings 
from all blest homes of peace." 

Two quite remarkable communications from relatives, 
unnecessary to insert here, followed ; after which was 
written the concluding one for the evening : — 

"Judge Edmonds. — Always happy to send you my deepest 
blessings for your hopeful cause of light, for heavenly good- 
ness. Clever fear ; we are in strength to-night through your 
praters. If your motive is pure, all will be satisfactory. 
Bless you forever. The medium is tired. Good night ! 

"Judge." 

Up to this period, this had been the most satisfactory 
series of messages that had been received. The ad- 
monition on the part of the spirit who wrote last, that 

* Samuel W. Seton, for many years one of the superintendents of schools 
in this city— a man of singular benevolence, religious fervor, and purity of 
character— one acknowledged by all who knew him to be a genuine Chris- 
tian. 

+ A gentleman well known in the community ; a man of fine social quali- 
ties, public-spirited, and earnest, particularly in his devotion to the public 
schools. Who "used to have good times with you, 1 ' exactly expresses the 
fact ; for he was an ever-present and welcome guest on all occasions of social 
enjoyment and festivity. 



48 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

the medium icas tired, was quite striking, emphasizing 
— as with a flash of light — the independence of the in- 
telligence from hers. In fact, everything written was 
marvelously natural and characteristic of the persons 
who purported to be communicating; and the sensation 
occasioned thereby in the mind of the editor he can 
never describe. It is proper to say there was no seance, 
nor ever has been, as popularly understood, no joining 
hands in a circle, or any other paraphernalia ; but, only 
one other person (and that a child) besides the writer 
and the medium being present, the latter sat down at 
the table, took a pencil and paper, and wrote, — not in 
her own hand-writing, not her own thoughts, but such 
as seemed to be flashed immediately on her brain, and 
her hand was moved to write, by the unseen intelli- 
gence. This is invariably the method. 

Shown thus demonstratively that the conscious intelli- 
gence of our departed friends has survived the death 
of this mortal sphere, we listen with a mingled feeling 
of rapture, love, and delight ; for all that is said is such 
as those friends might naturally say to us, could their 
familar voices reach us where we are.* 

We, indeed, did not think it proper to question these 
intelligences too minutely, or rather curiously, upon the 
mysteries of their life beyond the grave, being better 
satisfied to listen^ and judge of the sincerity and purity 

* It mast be borne in mind, however, that with most of these persons the 
medium had no acquaintance ; and that the hypothesis that she is uncon- 
sciously cerebrating, and writing the results of this cerebration, is the wildest 
absurdity. Some, doubtless, will scoffingly dismiss the whole matter with 
some such foolish idea ; but the editor, after having seen hundreds of these 
communications written before his eyes, and watched every phase of the phe- 
nomenon, is prepared to stake every thing dear to him, here or hereafter, 
upon the fact that they are the veritable messages of those from whom they 
purport to come. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 49 

of their intentions by what was so mysteriously pre- 
sented. We thus apply, in the judgment of their char- 
acter the same criterion as is employed in judging of the 
character of those we meet with here below. But we 
have done, also, as the Scriptures enjoin : " Beloved, 
believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether 
they are of God.'' " Herein know ye the Spirit of 
God. Every spirit that confesseth Jesus Christ come 
in the flesh is of God. (1 John iv. 1, 2.) The ac- 
knowledgment of Christ as the Saviour of men is a test 
which these communications will successfully bear. 
For example, on the 10th of July, the following was 
written : — 

" Judge Edmonds sends his greeting with great rapture. 
My dear friends, do all in your power to create a new lieart ; for 
God is the only one to whom you ought to go for consolation 
and hope. We are ever ready to bless your works. With the help 
of God's good angels, how can you ever fail to do your Maker's 
will? Ever bless his holy name through all eternity. Be a 
faithful band of soldiers, and God's grace will be added to your 
many virtues. We are only your antecedents in glory. All 
praise be to God on high. Thanks be forever to his holy name. 
Magnify him through his Son, our Saviour, Jesus Christ. 
Amen ! " 

This point will be dwelt upon considerably in subse- 
quent chapters, so that the reader will be able to per- 
ceive that the editor of this book did not hurriedly and 
unwarily accord his assent or approbation to these com- 
munications, either as communications from the spirits 
of the departed, or as messages deserving of attention 
per se. Of course, the great fact to be established 
is that which concerns the conscious existence of the 
soul of man after the dissolution of his mortal body, 
and secondarily, that which refers to his condition in 



50 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

the future life. The messages are to be judged by the 
same test as any ordinary human writings. Then there 
need be no fear of being beguiled by " seducing spirits 
and the doctrines of devils."* It is only when we 
yield our understandings as willing captives to be 
bound in chains by ecclesiastical potentates or organi- 
zations on earth r arrogantly assuming a divine function 
of intellectual and spiritual infallibility, that we are, 
indeed, in danger of being seduced by false doctrines, 
such as those against which the Apostle Paul warns the 
wise and gentle Timothy. 



III. 

COMMUNICATIONS PROM YAEIOUS SPIRITS. 

The following communication, addressed to the 
medium and her husband, is inserted here as suggest- 
ing a fact of great interest and importance, namely : 
that the forgiveness of God is granted in the eternal or 
spiritual world. Of this fact, however, abundant evi- 
dence will be presented subsequently. 

[July 7, 1878] . " I am happy again to hold communion with 
your heart according to your desire. Heaven is our home. Be 
everlastingly pure in body and mind ; and all will be easy 
to overcome in the life hereafter. Unless this is the case, 
all will have some trouble to undergo, before being fit to sit 
with those pure spirits of love above God's earth, f Be firm 
believers in God's power, love, and mercy. Hope ever for pardon, 

* Pee 1 Timothy iv. 1. 

t " And having heen a little chastened, they shall be greatly rewarded; for 
God proved them, and found them worthy for himself.'' — Wisdom of Solo- 
mon iii. 5 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 51 

and it cannot be refused. God is always ready to receive the 
Slightest chance to show his loving kindness to his dear family 
of spirits in the earthly sphere. Entirely will you succeed ; for 
life is ever beset with many temptations, which God sees are 
likely to burden at first, but through which your home is 
attained, if they are overcome. William Belden." 

Then was written the following : — 

"William Eelden, Sen. [Xame announced], — May God 
bless you, my dear friend ; be patient, and I think that you will 
soon see that this life is not for your pleasure only, but for the 
good use of powers given for the benefit of mankind, who, in 
this present generation, are much in need of awakening from 
their sleep of sin. They will soon feel that this is God's wish 
for their soul's salvation, which all, I think, wish to believe 
will be their future happiness. Believe me, I am your friend 
in the strength of God." 

To the medium from her sister Mary [July 10] : — 
" Emma, I love you. You are a good medium for our good 
purposes. Be ever persevering in well-doing, Heaven is your 
destination. Although we are helping you, help must come 
from God's own power of love to your heart. My wish is, that 
you write a book for your many friends, who would patiently 
read it, coming from you, who are certainly not a money- 
making people. For yourselves, we wish you joy forever." 

The spirit of Judge Edmonds was asked to speak of 
Jesus ; and the following was written :— 

"He was sent by God to redeem the world from sin and 
death." 

Will you advise farther f 

" Do all possible good to your fellow-men. Help them to sec 
God's truth, through his Son. Be a Christian ; that is, do as 
Christ did when living on the earth. He never thought of sin 
except as coining from the devil." 

It was then said by Mr. Louis Weismann, " Will you 
Bpeak to a friend of mine who is studying for the min- 
istry ? " and the following was written : — 



52 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

' ' Yes, certainly. Better study for God's truth, This is all 
that you need through Christ." 

" You are very kind to aid us," it was remarked. 

"Yes ; I never weary in helping you on. Many will aid you 
still more than I can, who am a poor spirit in thousands of 
thoughts." 

Advice was asked for the young man who was study- 
ing for the ministry, when the following remarkable 
communication was written : — 

" To — , from Judge E. and M. K. [the medium's sister], 

— My dear and sincere friend, I will certainly give you willingly 
all heavenly commendation for your good intentions in regard 
to God's life of spirits. You have immense attractions for your 
purpose, of God's own use. Pray send your efforts in the 
purely right direction, which must be spiritually heavenward. 
You are now too much embittered by the confounders of God's 
religious light. See to this earnestly, I beseech you in the name 
of ths Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, your spiritual three in one 
on high. Jesus looks with pity upon your wrong conception 
of his life among you ; but this will soon be washed away as a 
spot of darkness. Heaven help your mind to conceive the truth 
of what I am telling you, and your happiness will be extreme. 
Mollie comes to help you in your mission, because it comes from 
God's ordaining ; but Mollie regrets that you are losing so much 
strength by your blindness of heart. Look, feel, and believe, 
what is Faith, Hope, and Charity to you and all. Earnestly, 
faithfully, and trustfully, yours, M. K., assisted by 

"Judge Edmonds." 

Subsequently, the following was written by the same 
spirit (Judge E.) : — 

" My wish is, that you shall comprehend that Jesus is your 
benefactor by his life of endurance, not life of comforting as- 
surance. Be a good follower of Christ. He is your model. " 

From to his wife on earth [July 17.] 

" Ellen, my wife, have patience. In God we are formed for 
the purpose of finding Him in all his manifold works. Do not 
be distressed about anything that may come ; but believe it is 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 53 

but God's kind means of prompting your heart's best calling. 
Blessed is lie who knows and feels that Avhat is the truth is 
right. Fondly I gaze upon your life on earth. Do not think I 
would be back. 0, no ! Never would I seek such punishment 
from God." 

The following is from S. R., a spirit referred to on 
page 37, addressed to her sister (somewhat advanced in 
years) on earth : — 

" Sarah will call for any one, if by prayer ye seek them. 

" Emma, Sarah sends her blessings to her sister. 

"Judge not that ye be not judged " [on some remark's being 
madej. " Heaven will be your home, perhaps soon. God only 
knows. We are not informed of his doings, except that his love 
is given to every creature. Fear nothing but God, who is the 
sanctifier of the faithful, through his Son, Christ, who lived 
and died by the will of God, and who blesses you with his fond 
love. My love to you, dear sister. 

" Mary and mother have just arrived.* We welcome them 
with pleasure and happiness. Mugh will be their portion of 
God's gracious goodness. 

" Emma [the medium], firmly believe what you are writing, 
No trouble would then approach your heart, but everlasting 
love and happiness will await you in heaven. 

"Affectionately, Sarah." 

The following additional communication to the me- 
dium from her deceased sister, Mary, is here inserted as 
embodying some instructive passages [July 21] : — 

" Mollie sends you her love. When will you fully see that I 
am your sister in the time of God's creating? Believe it or not, 
you will certainly exceed me, — how much I do not know. You 
will be most happy with your God's best rewards in glory. My 
dear sister, much, I fear, you will have to look to. Only be 
fervently pure in spiritual knowledge — this will lead you heav- 
enward. Believe me, I am vour sister in heaven. When God 



* This refers to the death of the daughter and mother-in-law of the spirit, 
a few days previously. Both died within a short time of each other, and 
the event was announced to the medium in the communication here given. 



54 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

calls you to him, you must be ready to receive him in the spirit 
of humility. He will not chide,* unless much neglect has 
been your foolish error. For the love of God, your Saviour, 
you must pray without ceasingf for the guidance of God's spirit, 
in the soul's fearful surrender of its habitation on earth. Mollie 
hopes that you will find extreme satisfaction in prayer, the fruit 
of which only God Almighty can grant, with his love to his crea- 
tures. How sorrowful then must he be when they who are 
his children neglect his highest benedictions ! Help me to send 
you my ethereal presence to your heart by praying, through 
faith, in your Father's selection of you, by your qualification, 
for the good of his kingdom. Have you ever thought of my 
being with you forever by God's design ? He did not take me 
to himself for naught, I am sure. But, certainly he is the Re- 
deemer of your soul from iniquity. " 

The following is a message from a brother in the 
spirit world to one on earth, and is very expressive and 
powerful : — 

" To my brother i Will you hearken to your brother's 

voice of calling, from the depths of his heavenly love to your 
heart ? Be the fervent boy you always were. From the home 
of the Lord, I see you need awakening to the love of God, 
through his tribulations of the body, which are sent for your 
highest edification. If you but see the light of God's ways, 
he will lead you where heavenly pastures grow, and still waters 
are washing.:}: Hear the words of your brother Charles, who 
sees that the life he led was but a flight of birds through the 
waters of sin. He is no longer the Charles of the flesh ; nor 
would I be for the kingdom of the earth. Have you the light 
through God's grace and providence ? Have you the sorrow of 
a sinner lost to his Maker's love ? Alas ! I see you are only 

* " He will not always chide ; neither will he keep his anger forever. 11 
Psalm ciii. (See the whole Psalm.) 

t " Men ought always to pray." Luke xviii. 1. 

"Pray without ceasing." 1 Thess. v 17 

" The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working." 
James v. 16. 

X " He maketh me to lie down in green pastures : he leadeth me beside the 
still waters." Psalm xxiii 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 55 

weak — weak, indeed, in thanksgiving for the many "benefits 
allotted to your earthly career ; but, praise be to the God of Israel, 
I will hope and pray for the dawn of heaven's morning sun to 
lead you to homes where there will be little else to seek except 
your fellow beings' good and comfort. Forever grace your 
home, dear brother, with Christian feelings so pure, that the 
depths of earth' s soil cannot mar or efface them ; and, lastly, 
for the present, be patient in good works — they are your heav- 
enly passports- Your brother in the love of God, 

*' Charles." 

During the evening of July 21, the editor happened 
to be present when the medium was writing, and he 
expressed a wish to hear, if possible, from his friend 
James W. Farr ; when it was written : — 

" Oh ! to be blest with God's almighty love ! I feel the cross 
of Jesus is my staff. Have the love of God abiding in your 
hearts all the time. Fear no evil while in God is your trust. 
"Iara your well-wisher, James W. Farr." 

The editor then spoke of the intimate friend and 
companion of Mr. Farr on earth, as well as the friend 
of the editor himself, Senator Booth ; and the following 
was written : — 

" Jamas W. Booth. — Heaven is a glorious resting-place. Do 
not fear. Heaven will send you his strongest bks sings. I am 
your old friend in the light of God's earth. We were pleas- 
antly situated for a short time, with our feelings of greatness, 
which were soon thrown down. But, praised be the Lord, all 
is well that ends well. Forever as ever, J. W. B." 

The following forcible communication was addressed 
by spirit Judge Edmonds, to one who, it was remarked 
was a Freemason : — 

"Blest brother of God's own creation and image, may the 
light of Ciod's truth so dawn on your soul that you may dQ 
your Master's will to the perfection of your life eternal. Long 
would you seek, if God were not a gracious sovereign, of a love 
that passes your comprehension. But thanks be to my GotL 
blessed Saviour and Redeemer, through Christ, I give you the 



56 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

fact that all is not vanity, except your own vaingloryings in self. 
"Keep steadfast. Do not swerve from your strong- feelings 
for goodness. They are from God ; do you not see this f How 
can you be so loose in spiritual edification? Have you no 
happy thoughts given you from your home of life everlasting? 
I know the weakness and the wickedness of our being in the 
flesh ; but, thanks be to God, this is only your covering for the 
momentary teachings and perfectings of the soul — the soul — I 
say ; do not mistake the full meaning I would convey — the eter- 
nal, everlasting, perpetual essence of life. 

" May God lead you, dear brother of God's symbol of strength 
and mighty power, for the love of God's children, to flee 
from the coil of darkness. May you ever firmly hold to the 
good side of all matter of earth's boundary. Then your God 
of love will say unto you, in the voice of great patience : Well 
done, good and faithful servant enter into the kingdom of thine 
own completing ! " 

While perusing the above wonderful piece of com- 
position, the reader must bear in mind that it was writ- 
ten with inconceivable rapidity, the emphatic words 
being underlined with startling force, and the whole 
manner such as to indicate a powerful and lofty intelli- 
gence acting through the medium, who, indeed, is by no 
means capable of writing such a piece of composition 
under any circumstances ; and the only person present 
besides the medium was one who has not been trained 
either to think so deeply, or write so impressively. The 
purity of this composition, however, forbids the suppo- 
sition that it emanated from any other intelligence than 
that of the veritable spirit of him who was distin- 
guished on earth by the purity of his character, the 
greatness of his intellect, and the religious culture and 
fervor of his mind. Another, equally powerful, is given 
next. The Judge was asked [July 31] to write a pow- 
erful message for an unbeliever in religion; and the 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 57 

following was the result, dashed off as fast as the me- 
dium's hand could move over the paper : — 

" Judge Edmonds, your friend in the Truth. — Befriend the 
cause of God's high state. Fear no evil thing. God is the be- 
ginning, and also the end, of all things. Fear nothing but the 
sorrow of your soul lost to its Maker above. Lead all, dear 
friends, to a right understanding of the word of God through 
his Son, Christ, the immortal spirit. Feel inclined toward 
every good thing. Never say fail ; that is from the DEVIL. 
See that he does not deprive you of your place in heaven. Hor- 
rible would be his contortions of rejoicing over your soul's 
agony. See that this is the love of God to teach you what you 
may choose. Choose, then, betwixt the devil and his angels of 
destruction, and the most merciful God of love and delightful 
promise. Such glory can only come to the ' pure in heart, for 
they shall see God.' Beautiful to the mind is the thought of 
God. Then how much more beautiful will it be to be with the 
Divine and Holy Spirit of Love called your God ! 

" I believe you would desire me xo send a personal message. 
Do you not think this will do for all ? See that your friend does 
not ridicule this to the last damning of his soul's delight. Let 
him stick close to his right-minded affairs. Count the stars ; 
and he can as soon tell the time of his departure. Give up, 
then, in the humility of a" docile child to what you have ac- 
counted only as a passing dream or a mental vision. Life is a 
short span ; then why spend it to the loss of your soul ! ! ! ! 
For the love of God, prepare yourself by living a, new life. 
Think of your happy family, who will meet you in heaven (?) 
Think, if they do not see their father there, what will be your 
horrible yearnings to be with them? Come, begin ; teach them, 
and through this chance lead yourself to your God. Forgive 
me, I am only the friend of the weak and purse-proud, so I will 
not say but what I know is the truth, against the world. Amen 
and Amen ! Judge Edmonds, 

" In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit." 

One other communication from the same source is 
here given. It was written on the same day as the pre- 



58 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

ceding one ; and, although of the same general char- 
acter, has some peculiarly expressive traits : — 

"Judge Edmonds, your spiritual friend of God's creating. 
Bring your hearts to your God, who made you in the likeness 
of himself. Save your souls for the glory of God's heaven. 
This you will long to have when >it may perhaps be too late. 
Alas ! I hope not, for your soul's satisfaction ; and the blessing 
of God Almighty send you the dawn of hope to save you in his 
good appointed time of calling. 

"And now, dear friends, a parting word of heavenly cheer 
to show you your birthright, and lead you in the path of right- 
eousness. Have the courage of your Saviour's dying in your 
mind, and such a feeling will never leave you the fear of death. 

"Yes, sin is the monster that destroys your souls, precious to 
your God. See you do not awaken the vengeance and grief of 
your loving Saviour by your wayward unbelief. Befriend all 
you can. Love God, and God will love you. Seek the light, 
and the darkness will flee. Take the wings of heaven, and the 
angels will help your flight. Be careful of your words, and 
the sense of them will be the power of the truth. Forever see 
and believe. Judge." 

Mr. L. F. Weismann asked of one of the spirit 
friends who communicated, " Do you see that we are 
making progress ? " And the following answer was 
written : — 

"Yes, yes, I see; but you are not strong enough yet. You 
must pray more — more and more. Tell this to all you can. 
That will help your progress immensely." 

" Can you aid us ? " was asked. 

"Perhaps, I can, if you can state the requirements of your 
case. See that you do not need the love of Christ in your 
minds, to help you to the right ideas which are the essence of 
purity and mighty love to every soul, not excepting any. Even 
the blackest heathen may be redeemed through Christ's atone- 
ment." 

This last sentence will probably offend the inventors 
and upholders of the doctrine of conditional immortal- 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 59 

ity — those who, by the most ingenious selection and 
collocation of texts from Scripture, distorting the 
meaning of some and explaining away others altogether, 
have striven to demonstrate the injustice of our infi- 
nitely merciful and loving Father in Heaven.* 

All this sophistry is abundantly refuted by the reve- 
lation of which this volume is the record. May God 
grant that it be candidly considered, and not rejected 
through any spirit of controversy, dogmatism, or con- 
ceit ! 

Still one other of these remarkable communications 
i3 here presented to illustrate the earnestness of the 
exhortations which they embody^ and the obvious purity 
of the source from which they emanate : — 

"Judge Edmonds, jour spiritual friend through Christ. 
May he lead you all to the heavenly shore. Help the erring, 
and support the weak. Lead the blind. Heavenly pastures 
await your soul's redemption. Consider the founding of Christ's 
home your everlasting covenant with the just and good of this 
earth. See, the light of God's truth is dawning with the 
brightness of the sun. See that your sun does not set when the 
light is needed for your steadfast hope. I see that you are 
growing. How happy ! how joyous ! how (any thing you 
please) ! we feel to see you filled with the feelings of love and 
kindness to your fellow-men. God bless you ! Oh ! God send 
you his grace to proceed forever ! Oh ! how we will be united 
with all God's creatures in heavenly bliss ! Raptures beyond 
expression ! Alas ! lam weak in earthly powers, but I hope the 
love of God may help me to assist you more and more. This is 
my redeeming power for the lost of earth. Good night, dear 
friends. Press ox. Judge." 

* See the works on this subject published by Dr. Ives, of New Haven. 
In " Bilk Doctrine of the Soul," this author so confuses the doctrine of the! 
immortality of the soul, that it is scarcely possible to know what Scripture 
means or does not mean. Such compilations are only useful in demon- 
strating the necessity of a new dispensation of spiritual tfght. 



60 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

The editor asked whether it were permitted to an old 
friend, Eli French, to speak to him, saying a few words 
in regard to the excellence of his life and character ; 
and the medium immediately wrote as follows : — 

"Eli French [full name written, but with considerable 
difficulty] — Bless you all. Bless God, I am happy beyond the 
hope of my most fervent desire. Send to the Lord for help for 
your work. Nothing is refused that ye seek with prayer and 
faith. God's love fills my soul with the utmost gladness. Look 
to the fact of God's redemption. This will explain the mean- 
ing of my joyful anticipation for the salvation of all souls. My 
dear Mr. Kiddle, let me thank you for all your kindly thoughts 
in regard to myself. They are at least not icrong, but not alto- 
gether right, I was a foolish sinner in a thousand ways ; but, 
praised be the Lord ! I am saved the judgment [i. e. of con- 
demnation]. Eli French." 

The naturalness of the apostrophe to the editor, in 
response to his remarks, after the general message was 
written, will not escape the attention of the careful and 
candid reader. Certainly, it was unexpected by the 
editor; and, as for the medium, she had scarcely any 
recollection (if any at all) of the person referred to. 
Here is a spirit, also, who though a member of a Pres- 
byterian church on earth, now anticipates the salvation 
of ALL SOULS. 

The following was written August 3d : — 

"Judge Edmonds, Spiritualist. — Do you not find your 
conscience clearer in your dealings with mankind ? I should 
think you would almost fly with the delight of the soul's re- 
release from its earthly darkness. Light is the monarch of the 
earth, God is the monarch of the heavens, and Jesus is the Sa- 
viour of the world ! ! Blessed is he who knows and feels his 
Redeemer's power. Alas ! for him who lacks the sight of his 
better life to come. I see, thank God, you are advancing. 
Progress on the wings of Sinai, and teach the Jews the laws 
of God, showing them their false notions. Many are good ; 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 61 

but how foolish to be the devil's own instruments of torture to 
their Saviour ! Delight the minds of all, and seek the heavenly 
home of your soul. Bless you, and lead you in the paths of 
good living- ! Judge Edmonds." 

The following communication purported to come from 
the spirit of a person related to one who had been in- 
troduced to the medium for the purpose of obtaining, 
if possible, a message. The first trial was ineffectual, 
the result being irregular, unintelligible scrawls, or only 
a few meaningless words. To this allusion is made 
in the subjoined communication, which was written the 
following day : — 

From to : " I could not write well yesterday, as 

the weather was unfavorable to the spirits' familiar intercourse, 
in friendship bound. I at last see the mistake I made in press- 
ing your hand with such importunate haste and fervor ; but 
being an excitable spirit in the presence of my holy friends' 
criticism, I could not command my feelings to be at rest suffi- 
ciently to show my individuality, before my heart's feelings had 
sufficiently subsided. [This was addressed to the medium ; 
and what follows refers to the spirit's friend.] Tell him I am 
glad that he is investigating so mighty a source of helpfulness 
to every soul's benefit ; and I trust he will not forget to push on 
with vigor, when he feels the certainty of solemn truth — out- 
side of any religion, sect, or country — that has nothing what- 
ever to do with the soul's felicity or infelicity, except ye are 
doers of your Master's will by the preaching of good tidings. 
The charity that vaunteth not, the hope of life beyond by re- 
demption, the love of your Creator beyond expression, the 
fervor of gratitude,, and humility too great to ask for reward, 
though suffering, and the light which will transport your 
minds — all these will fill your hearts with heavenly bliss. 
For the rest of my family, I would certainly wish that they may 
never fail to believe that Jesus is the Redeemer of Israel.* He 
is the man of many sorrows, passing your comprehension, and 

• This was addressed to an Israelite, and purported to come from the 
spirit of an Israelite. 



62 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

a close friend of sinners in their numerous heathenish affec- 
tions. So despair not, thinking that the hour of redemption 
cometh not in eternity ; although your hearts will certainly never 
see the long-expected King of Israel ! ! 

' ' With my best wishes for your prosperity, and with thank- 
ful praise, I am your constant friend, ." 

The medium being told by a lady who herself pro- 
fessed to be a medium for some kind of spirit manifes- 
tations, that it was not possible that the spirit of Judge 
Edmonds could have written the communications that 
purported to come from him, the question was asked of 
the spirit by the medium; and the following was imme- 
diately written by her own hand. 

" Judge Edmonds, the spiritual believer before his life of 
healing was secured. — Do not ask me if I wrote those mes- 
sages to you, in which you cannot fail to see the intensity of 
my feelings of desire to eradicate from my books my restless 
[unsettled] teachings in the flesh. Do you not see that I am the 
proper person to apply to for light iu matters pertaining to 
Spiritualism, having done so much to spread it abroad ? Do 
you not see that I certainly could not know all things until the 
time of life's bondage was past, and I was left free to choose 
my heavenly passage. I assure you I was not mistaken in my 
soul's longings — but only in a few of my mind's visions. Per- 
haps, I lent my imagination too much control to render them 
perfect. But that is not necessary for your heavenly flight. 
All you require is perseverance, and a steady outpouring of your 
souls for heavenly dawnings ; and do not believe that your lady 
friend is a special unity chosen by Providence himself to per- 
form his work beyond your comprehension. That she means 
well, I do not doubt ; but do not trust her when the mysteries 
of Catholicism surround her ; she is what we would designate 
a working medium to illustrate spirit intercourse But do not 
despair. ' All is well that ends well.' So you must push for 
the eternal boat, and strive to be the first oarsman in the race 
toward the heavenly shore. Edmonds," 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 63 

In answer to a question as to Christ's mission upon 
earth, it was said : — 

"Jesus Christ was the chosen of God. He was a sinless per- 
son, and a heavenly spirit before the time of his affliction be- 
gan. His was not the purity of earthly flesh. Only a Jesus 
could perform his works for mankind's future benefit. 

" Do not suppose that he was a powerless spirit, without aim. 
He knew his life on earth to be one of hardship, and praised 
the Lord for the sacred privilege of performing the holy work 
of heavenly redemption. Fear not ; he is your sanctifier. 
Amen ! Edmonds." 

This last communication is introduced here as a fur- 
ther illustration of the varied character of these extra- 
ordinary writings. It involves, as will be seen, an 
important religious truth or doctrine, allusion to which 
is made in several other communications presented in 
subsequent chapters of this work. The teachings of 
these writings seem to harmonize with each other, 
although emanating from different spirit intelligences; 
but the character and details of these religious teach- 
ings may be best discovered by a careful perusal and 
comparison of the writings themselves. A summary, 
however, will be given in the last chapter of the book, 
showing the truths taught, especially those which bear 
upon eschatology * 

* " A prediction twelve months past, that the newspaper, magazine, and 
book press of to-day would be crowded with subject-matter relating to the 
future fate of the wicked, and that the pulpits, of all denominations, and 
the populaT lecture platforms, at home and abroad, would resound so soon 
with this hitherto neglected doctrine, would have been received with the ut- 
most incredulity. But, -as if under supernatural inspiration, the human mind, 
civilization through, is roused, and with intense and prolonged gaze the eye 
is fixed upon the future." L. T. TowNstsc, D.D., The Intermediate World, 
(Boston, 1878). 



64 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 



IV. 



COMMUNICATIONS PROM THE ILLUSTRIOUS OF EARTH. 

" No curtain hides from view the spheres elysian, 
Save these poor shells of half-transparent dust ; 

And all that blinds the spiritual vision 
Is pride, and hate, and lust/' 

We come now to one of the most interesting, and, to 
the editor and his family, most startling chapters of 
this singular experience. Previous to the first of the 
communications here to be presented, the messages 
had, in the main, purported to come from the spirits of 
those with whom either the medium or those in her 
presence had been acquainted on earth. It is true, the 
editor had enjoyed no intimate acquaintance with Judge 
Edmonds, having met him only once — and that at Lake 
George, where he spent a pleasant hour with him at 
his beautiful but simple home on the margin of that 
lovely lake ; but, nevertheless, it did not surprise us so 
much that he should communicate with any persons 
here who were likely to take an interest in the matter, 
owing to his active zeal in behalf of the spiritualistic 
movement during the last twenty years of his life. 
Communications, however, ostensibly coming from the 
spirits of the illustrious dead who, after a glorious 
career in this world, had " gone to their rest " (to speak 
in common parlance) centuries ago, were calculated to 
create in the mind a feeling of incredulity at first, but 
afterwards of awe and astonishment. 

What was written, it must again be asseverated, came 






SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATION'S. Q5 

from an intelligence certainly not the medium's, nor 
belonging to any one present. It was obviously of a 
high order — whether considered intellectually or spirit- 
ually — far too high and too pure to belong to a " lying 
spirit " ; and certainly, as will be apparent to all, there 
was nothing in any of the writings calculated to lead 
any mind astray, or to subvert any holy doctrine of the 
purest Christianity, but on the contrary to confirm it in 
the strongest manner. The editor was, therefore, com- 
pelled by the severest logical analysis to accept the 
statements of the communications themselves as to their 
source, reasoning in this way : — 

1. A good spirit intelligence would not be guilty of 
a false statement as to name and identity ; 

2. These communications certainly emanate from such 
an intelligence ; 

3. Therefore, they veritably proceed from the intel- 
ligences from which they purport to come. 

With this brief preliminary statement, the narrative 
is continued. In the early part of August, Mr. L. F. 
Weismann, the medium's husband, was impressed to call 
for a communication from the spirit of Shakespeare ; and 
the medium, before taking the pencil, perceived her 
mind to be impressed with poetic images. She even 
spoke the first sentence of the following communication 
before writing it. But soon the name Shakespeare was 
written (at first irregularly, as is often the case with 
names). Then the following was written : — 

COMMUNICATIONS FROM SHAKESPEARE. 

" Oh ! the billows roll, and the waters surge to be on the sur- 
face of your heart's-" understanding. The better you realize 

♦It will be noticed, throughout these communications, that the word 
Jteart is used in a peculiar way- uot in the usual, but in the Scriptural sense ; 



66 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

this fact, the better and wiser you will be before the light of 
God's heaven dawns upon your senses. 

' ' I lend my powers to the chosen of God, who meet his holy 
apprehension. Be the followers as well as the chosen of the 
Lamb. Look for the coming judgment with perpetual thanks- 
giving. Oh I how your hearts will leap to be the familiar and 
selected spirits of your Saviour's love ! How you will long to 
be perfect as your Father in Heaven is perfect ! But do not de- 
spair : there is never a grain of sand but meets its affinity, and 
reaches its goal at the end. 

' ' I was a diligent man on earth ; but how much I might 
have done if my powers of talent had been directed by the 
beacon light of my soul's immortality. Remember not that I 
said, ' Go to, it is better to endure the ills we have than to fly 
to others which we know not of. ' I love to see some of those 
godlike passages, given through inspiration ; but, alas] they 
are too few to compensate for the false ones I invented. 

" Lead on, ye brave ! Victory must be your motto, or death 
will be your sorrowful struggle. So, farewell I I must to my 
palace of the gods around the throne of the bountiful Sov- 
ereign. Shakespeare." 

When this communication was shown to the editor, 
he was much struck with its remarkable characteristics; 
nor did he perceive anything which the spirit of Shake- 
speare might not naturally have uttered, had he, in real- 
ity, revisited the earth. It is proper to say that the 
medium has but little acquaintance with the writings of 
Shakespeare, nor did she remember exactly the passage 
cited somewhat incorrectly : — 

'* And makes us rather bear those ills we have, 
Than fly to others that we know not of. " 

Hamlet, Act III., Scene I. 

On the evening of the same day, the medium was at 

as " My son, give me thy heart." — " The fool hath said in his heart there is 
no God." (Not in his mind ; for who does not know intellectually that there 
must be a Creator of some kind ?) Hence, there seems to be a peculiar signif- 
icance in the phrase " heart's understanding." 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. G7 

the editor's house ; and, as an experiment, he asked 
whether the spirit of Shakespeare would, with the per- 
mission of God, again communicate ; and the following 
was the result : — 

" William Shakespeare (name written). — Bless God, your 
heavenly protector. Lead a good and noble life of the soul's 
own assistance. Fear the devil and all his works. 

' ' I am William Shakespeare, poet and partisan. Endure the 
sins of the flesh, and the light of the soul will he given you in 
proportion to your victories over Satan and his triumphal band 
of liars. Seek ye the final judgment for your encouragement, 
and relief from the assailing of Providence by his vagabond 
teachers. Lend your hearts to the heavenly teachers of re- 
pentance. Forever ye will believe and know that your Saviour 
died to save your soul's bleeding. 

"Bring the bowl of your intense desires for the benefit of 
your home of love. Believe the intensity of God's love to be 
your bondage to his name's satisfaction. 

" William Shakespeare." 

The editor then commenced the following remark- 
able conversation : — 

Have you any regrets for your writings while on earth? 

" Yes, sorrowful to mention. What a lost sheep I was from 
my Shepherd's light ! Would to God Almighty I had felt his 
strength of understanding the world and its inhabitants ! I did 
well. Perhaps, I did not lose all my talents ; but most were 
thrown away, or, what is worse, led astray many from God's 
works. Certainly, my teachings through the drama were not 
bad, but not altogether elevating to the minds of the weak in 
spiritual lore." 

What is your present opinion of your play of Hamlet? 

" It is too sentimental." 

In tohat respect ? 

" I think it should have been on a purer motive." 

What do you think of Macbeth? 

11 Better in its moral teachings." 

Did you not introduce much of the spiritual in it ? 



68 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

"Yes, by inspiration." 

What do you mean by that ? 

" Mode of taking my inspirational ideas." 

Wliich do you consider the purest of your plays ? 

[The Medium wrote obscurely, apparently not being able to 
take the impression of the name. The editor manifesting some 
impatience to obtain a response, it was written : — ] 

" Oh ! you must not seek too much through the medium."* 

Of course, you know your works still give great pleasure to man- 
kind t 

" Yes, to my humble regrets. They might and should have 
been nearly perfect in their holy teachings to my people, who 
patiently endured their weak oncomings ; but, praised be God, 
I did the best in the power of my understanding, and was not 
too vain to see that I was but a weak instrument in the hands of 
the Potter." 

If we should publish these revelations, what would you desire 
we should say as coming from you ? 

11 Say that I am the teacher of the people's pleasure, in pre- 
paring their hearts to see that the drama of life is but a side 
play to the eternal teachings that are found in one word of God's 
book, or in one look from your Saviour's divine eyes to throw 
the blessing of his divine love upon your souls. Do you not see 
that my teachings were somewhat selfish, because I took from 
God his right of providing a home for the soul ? But, notwith- 
standing this bare-faced contradiction to the statement of his 
Word, I have found favor and grace in his supreme sight, and 
am nevertheless happy ! ! ! " 

What do you mean by "taking from God his right of providing 
a home for the soul " ? 

" I mean that I did not use the means of throwing God's pas- 
sion to the light, instead of this world's affairs entirely." 

But did you not introduce much of the spiritual element in 
your plays ? 



* On a subsequent occasion, two months later, the writer'8 son (a boy thir- 
teen years old) being the medium, the same question was asked, and the 
name Pericles was immediately written— a name entirely unknown to thia 
medium. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 69 

" Yes, but not so strong as I should. It was merely vision- 
ary." 

How about the spirit of Hamlet' 's father t 
" He was a stupid scapegoat." 
Scapegoat for whom f 

" For the spirits of the heavenly creating." 
It was then asked, " Will you write a brief poem 
descriptive of your heavenly joy ? " The following was 
written : — 

" My joy in heaven 
Is from the seven 
Of the truths of God's creating : 
First comes the queen 
Of love ; then she 
. Who blesses the pure in heart, — your 
Everlasting friend, 
Benevolence. 

" Second, comes the God- 
Bess of supreme 

Delight, called Satisfaction, 
To teach you that 
All things are for 

Your heart's benefaction. 

" Then, third, the Light 

From heavenly thoughts, 
To bless your soul's identity ; 

So on, to the seven, 

As shown in the old 
Fables of heathen idolatry." 

In writing this poem, the medium having become 
quite tired, the spirit seemed to hasten to a conclusion 
at the third verse, ending it with the obscure allusion 
contained in the last three lines. Subsequently (Nov. 
2Gth), when communicating, he was asked to enumerate 
the seven virtues referred to ; and the following was 
given : — 1st, Love ; 2d, Faith ; 3d, Truth ; -4th, Kever- 



70 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

ence; 5th, Holy Fear; 6th, Heavenly Insight; 7th, 
Perfection. 

Moreover, when asked if he would rewrite the poem, 
he responded : " Yes, if the medium is very passive." 
But the medium was tired, and far from being passive ; 
and the poem was not rewritten ; but the communica- 
tions given on pp. 72-3, were written, as there explained. 

Of the other communications written from the same 
spirit, the most noteworthy, perhaps, are those of the 
2d of October, which came in the following manner ; 
The editor had read the former messages in the pres- 
ence of the medium to some friends, when on the me- 
dium's taking the pencil, the name William Shakespeare 
was written. A somewhat obscure and imperfect 
rhythmical composition then followed, ending with the 
remark : — 

"William Shakespeare is always willing' to send you a mo- 
ment's thought, if it may show you a spark of the heavenly 
kingdom." 

Some remark was made as to the obscurity and im- 
perfection of the previous communication, when it was 
written : — 

• ' Please do not expect me to enrobe my thoughts in any other 
way than through the light that comes with your mind's con- 
trol. However, I may give you a thousand sayings, and never 
a one the fitness of which you will understand. Pardon ; for you 
are condescending to offer to take any poor bits of poetry that 
William Shakespeare will try to throw out of his feeble nature 
of holy trust. Blest is he who when asked to perform, never 
turns a deaf ear to humanity's call." 

It was then asked, " Can you give us any information 
in regard to the re-incarnation of spirits?" and the 
following was written with great rapidity and force : — - 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 7J 

" Reincarnation, my kind hearers, yon will never find, 

But in the line of fervency of mind.* 

For the treasures of earth 

Are of heavenly birth ; 

And, unless you repress the longings of flesh 

The pleasures of heaven will flow not to the breast ; 

But within the depths of the basin of rest, 

You will find yourselves kept by a hand of dissension, 

Which, perhaps, you may call, in your heart's best intention, 

Incarceration, but not incarnation." 

Some conversation was then held in regard to the 
" inspirational ideas ' of Shakespeare, as indicated in a 
former communication ; and the editor recited the fol- 
lowing : — 

*' The quality of mercy is not strained ; 

It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven 

Upon the place beneath ; it is twice bless'd ; 

It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes. 

'Tis mightiest in the mightiest. It becomes 

The throned monarch better than his crown ; 

His scepter shows the force of temporal power, 

'J he attribute to awe and majesty, 

Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings ; 

But mercy is above the sceptered sway, 

It is enthroned in the hearts of kings ; 

It is an attribute to God himself; 

And earthly power doth then show likcst God's 

When mercy seasons justice." 

[Merchant of Venice, Act IV., Scene I. 

Also the following : — 

" Merciful heaven I 

Thou rather, with thy sharp and sulphurous- bolt, 

Splifst the unwcdgeable and gnarled oak, 

Than the soft myrtle ;— But man, proud man ! 

Drest in a little brief authority : 

Most ignorant of what he's most assured, 

His glassy essence,— like au angry ape, 

Plays such fantastic tricks before high heaven. 

As make the angels weep." 

[Measure, for Measure, Act II., Scene II. 

* That is, imagination. 



72 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

Immediately thereafter, the medium took the pencil, 
and wrote as follows : — 

" My passages, such as you read, are poor efforts compared to 
the sight of heavenly magnificence which lies before me as I 
pen these words to you. I find you think that they are gifts 
of thought coming from Majesty's throne ; but I find more hap- 
piness in the trust in God that the line of eventful prophecy 
can show to mankind. Holy and pure are the guardians of 
love, the angels of kind love and holy mercy. They it is who 
indeed weep and grieve that ye, black and wayward sheep, 
neglect your Father's fold. But not now will you discover that 
the finishing of your lives here is the commencement of true 
and faithful eternity. " 

It was then said, " Good night, with many thanks to 
God that you have been permitted to come to us," to 
which the response was written : — 

* ' Good night I Everlasting is the grace that permits me to 
come to you, to fulfill your longings." 

On the 26th of November, further communications 
were received from the same source. To these refer- 
ence has already been made. When, at this time, the 
desire was expressed to hear further from Shakespeare, 
the medium said, ''Now I hear the words ' Attend, ye 
braves ! Listen, ye unsophisticated 3 ' " Then she took 
the pencil, and wrote : — 

* ' Shakespeare's spirit in harmony with the medium. Amen ! " 
And then was written : — 

'* Attend, ye braves ! Listen ye unsophisticated I Beware of 
contumely, and I will attend your hearts in your affliction of 
mind." 

Then followed the remarks as stated above in refer- 
ence to the poem previously written ; after which the 
following communications were given : — 

" I would teach you all, my fervent friends, to see the light 
from thrones of grace ; and then you will know the end of life 
is through God's love ; and not forever you will say, Go to, but 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 73 

fondly linger for the words of hope ; ajid great desire will up- 
spring in your souls. For what are you but in great despair 
now ? From this you will not gain relief, or admittance to the 
heavenly home ; but for the past great aim your Master will 
seek ;* and I pray, in my heart, that you we will all greet." 

The editor then said, " We desire a message that will 
convince the world that it is you who are communica- 
ting, and thus be the means of aiding in the conversion 
of mankind." The following remarkable communica- 
tion was then written : — 

" Beloved friends, I am your friend in the spirit, as I was ages 
ago in the flesh. Hearken ! seek, conform, and believe that the 
angels are near you in the communion of saints. They are 
fondly gazing upon your foot-steps ; they are anxiously hoping 
for your hearts to return in the direction which leads you on, 
on, OX ; and I, only Shakespeare, the writer of many meager 
plays and humble compositions, in the spirit form beg your 
pardon for the intrusion, and ask for a listening ear and a well- 
meaning rest-hold, f I beg of you all to take heed to your 
future condition. I entreat you to hearken unto the voice of 
nature and nature's God, who is the manifestation of love in 
your soul's identity, by which I mean that you are what you 
arc, or create for yourselves ; and it is not God who punishes, 
but yourselves, by your sinning. God is a spirit, whom you 
cannot know before you taste of death ; and I do not compre- 
hend, unto this day, the majesty and power of the Heavenly 
Monarch. Ever am I gaining in strength of purpose toward his 
seat of perfection ; and I, Wm. Shakespeare, only beg of you 
to help one another up, where the intercession of the saints can 
reach your understanding, and assist your minds up to heavenly 
joys. What is the earth but a mole-hill, after all? And what 
are YE, vain, conceited, and never-tiring people, but moles upon 

* That is, your Master will still continue to seek to accomplish his past 
great aim — the salvation of your souls. 

t"A well-meaning rest-nold"-a peculiar phrase, hut quite expressive, 
implying that the condition of the hearers' minds, as to sincerity and a hum- 
ble desire to learn, would enable him to benetit them, as he then could iullu- 
ence their hearts 



74 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

its surface, planning and making* your homes of beauty, only 
to be razed to the ground, and buried in oblivion, as it were ? 
But not so to the just and upright in life. They, O thanks be 
to God ! will receive the purest blessings of a loving Saviour's 
voice — as I, Wm. Shakespeare, show you from my experience, 
and relate for your good and profit. Intercede with me, and 
we will meet. Amen ! " 

The hope was expressed that this message might con- 
vince, and thus save, many souls, and it was written : — 
" I am in trust for you all." 

Other communications have been received from this 
glorious spirit, many in a poetical vein- — some being 
beautiful in thought and imagery, but imperfect in ex- 
pression, in consequence of the inadequate powers of the 
mediums. At the close of one, he signed his name, 
" Shakespeare, the poet, who seeks not to know it; " 
and, subsequently endeavoring to send a poetical mes- 
sage through the child, he wrote as follows : — 

" people of earth, 

If you knew the sad heart 

You cause your dear Father, 

Your eyes would be lifted 

To things far higher 

Believe me, I am 

The Spirit of Shakespeare, 

Who writes through a child, 

Whose years will be longer 

And better than many 

Who know these things* 

But find them rejected. 

" William Shakespeare, 
' The poet, who seeks not to know it.' " 

Thus quoting the expression previously used through 



* That is, the things pertaining to spirit intercourse, in regard to which he 
was asked to write. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 75 

the other medium. The editor then said : " Why do 
you not care to know it ? " and the response was : — 

' ' Because my poetical character is gone. It was only nieant 
to serve me to get a simple living ; and I need it not now, ex- 
cept as far as I may use it for you, my kind hearers." 

The reader will please remember that this was writ- 
ten by the child medium, through whom many interest- 
ing attempts have been made to write poems ; but for 
these, with the requisite explanations, there is not space 
in the present work. 

COMMUNICATION FROM BACON. 

Immediately following the first communication from 
Shakespeare, as given on page 67, the following was 
written without a request or call : — 

" My dear friends, such delight I see, that the stars almost 
fall to send their heavenly light upon your paths. See this ! 
I think you will not hesitate or delay one moment to show 
your souls' Providential feelings toward the world, Fear not 
that God is punishing in his designs. The heavens were 
not made without the powerful understanding of the God of 
creation ; neither were yourselves created without the knowl- 
edge of your holy love toward the race of creatures called man- 
kind. Bacox," 

Coming, as it did without any call, this communica- 
tion appeared to indicate the companionship of the 
spirits, Bacon and Shakespeare. No further communica- 
tion has been received from this spirit, simply because 
circumstances have not favored his being called. His 
wish to enlighten mankind, is, without doubt, un- 
bounded ; and more may, if God permit, be communi- 
cated by him hereafter. 
COMMUNICATION" FROM WILLIAM, PRINCE OF ORANGE. 

On the 8th of August, some trouble having occurred 
in Canada, on account of the parade of the Orangemen, 



76 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIOm 

on the 12th of July previous, to celebrate the victory at 
the famous battle of the Boyne, some one who happened 
to be with the medium, asked for a communication 
from the Prince of Orange, when the following was 
written : — 

" Prince of Orange.— Heaven send you all benediction, and 
grant all the fondest desires of your souls ! Alas 1 for my 
Orange Reformers ! Perhaps they are doing God's will by 
their righteous wanderings from Catholicism ; but do not sup- 
pose they are followers of the Lamb, if by their waywardness 
they neglect their Saviour's first command, — Obey. Lose not 
a moment in praying for their release from the egotistical bond- 
age of conceit, which obstructs the light that might surround 
them. They are only heathens in their selfish idolatry of God's 
prophesying enlightenment ;* but falseness will soon give way to 
the reality. Watch and pray, for the kingdom of God is at 
hand. William of Orange. " 

COMMUNICATIONS tfROM GEOKGE WASHINGTON". 

On the 13th of October, the editor being present, 
one of the company asked, with the permission of God 
(prayer had previously been offered), that a communi- 
cation might be written by Washington. The follow- 
ing was the result : — 

"George Washington [name written], — Helper of the 
United States. Bring to me your understanding. I will assist you 
further. I am a man of integrity, as my character was shown 
in the light of the earth, and still is in heaven. Onward is still 
my motto to my MEN, and I hope that we may lead on to the 

* Prophesying enlightenment, — that is, Scripture. Some of the Protestants 
have justly, to some extent at least, been chareed with Bibliolatry — or the wor- 
ship of the Bible ; which, indeed, without doubt is to be faithfully studied, 
and its true spiritual meaning explored. Such a study of the Scriptures, not 
with the vain notion of plenary inspiration, but with the earnest and prayer- 
ful desire to find spiritual truth, will, the editor believes, always be followed 
by satisfactory convictions, independently, of course, of dogmas, fixed by the 
arbitrary decrees of ecclesiastical councils. All such formulated articles of 
belief are usually but chains forged to fetter the understandings and the 
hearts of mankind, which God designed should be left free. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 77 

goal of happiness. Eternity is a beautiful future for you, my 
friends ; and I enlist myself into your service for any good you 
may desire. God is a kind and humble interpreter of your 
doings, and lenient to all possibility. Then why do you neglect 
your high and holy duties to your Sovereign? Must the 
heavens descend to lend their glory for your insight ? Oh ! 
forever fear the avenger of your wrong-doing, which by your- 
selves is pressing you into the mire of horrible sufferings. 
Onward, I say again, dear friends. I have many, many high 
and noble statesmen with me in paradise, but only wish to gain 
more ; for our Host is unlimited in his hospitality, and all is 
meted out to us with holy pleasure, and endless is the day of re- 
joicing. Blest forever we will be in God's kind home. Be- 
yond the grave is, indeed, a glorious rising for the True. I wish I 
had been a better man, and a more enlightened statesman. My 
opportunities were great ; but, thank God, my day of earthly 
career is past, and to God's will I may only say, in the fullness 
of a spirit's rejoicing, Amen ! George Washington." 

It was then asked, "What do you think of the pros- 
pect of this country ? " and the following was writ- 
ten : — 

"Bring yourselves into a true union with God and his com- 
muning angels ; and by the effort to reach the divine powers, 
your hearts will be filled with the upright living of a ceaseless 
beginning. Further, I may say, this generation is past the feel- 
ings of a united nation chosen by God for a holy purpose. 
Refer to him in the power of your earthly minds, and have re- 
gard for the Lord's kindness to you, and not pass it by with 
scorn. Lead poor dejected people by the hand of fellowship, 
and forget your pompous pride and high-toned dignity. 

" George Washington is but a fly-speck to humanity's pro- 
gress ; and I must forget that I was ever more than a worm of 
the dust, sent by my Maker for some good purpose. I did not 
wholly go astray ; but, O God ! I was very nearly lost to heav- 
en's door by so much VANITY. I no longer will inflict on you 
my own personalities. As a spirit, I have no memories that 
need renewing ; but by your command I have retrospected 
a little, and for any good I am always ready. 

"G. Washington." 



78 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

The editor then remarked : " These are grand mes- 
sages ; but, alas ! how few would appreciate them, or even 
receive them ! " To this the following response was 
written : — 

" Oil ! never despair ! "but ever fear the Lord in true humil- 
ity. Heaven is a place for you all, and all must come when 
God sees fit. [Some one sighed.] Nothing to sigh about, dear 
friend. You are a noble man. Do not let ANYTHING- take 
you away from your calling from heaven. God is looking with 
divine presence and hope. Beyond the clouds, endless is the 
day when we may meet, to say together, ' Thy will be done on 
earth as it is done in heaven ! ' " 

The editor said, " We must now say farewell to our 
spirit friends," when it was written : — 

" Oh ! farewell is too cold. Say good-bye for the present." 
COMMUNICATION FROM CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS. 

Later in the evening, a message was asked from 
Christopher Columbus ; and the following was writ- 
ten : — 

" Christopher Columbus. — By eternity I am here, no 
longer annoyed by unbelievers in the existence of a piece of 
land — no more than a small piece of bread, compared to the 
heavenly regions that I am pilgrimaging through every moment 
of God's time. But now, dear friends, what may I fill your minds 
with ? Futurity is a spot of earth beyond the clouds, where the 
just and the unjust meet together to confess God's grace and 
love. But also sorrowful is the separation to some, through a 
wicked life ; only not so will any be thrown to a hell fire of 
coal and brimstone. But may there not be a worse burning 
than this ? 

' ' Fearful lest you misinterpret my words, I will asseverate 
again that God is indeed an existing Sovereign of love for his 
children, for he is never ready to punish without strong deserts. 
Offend not, but be healthful and fond beings of humanity. The 
spirits are only too ready to come, and bring to your hearts and 
souls the true religion. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 79 

'* No longer have I mere vaingloryings after praise and ambi- 
tion to exceL My motto now is to be as GOOD as my kindred 
spirits in the higher spheres, which I may hope to reach, feel- 
ing this hope through God. Christopher." 

On our closing, it was written : — 

"Good-bye, dear friends. Call upon me, C. C, when you 
have any longings for heavenly light. 

" Ever as a true friend in holy light, I am always 

" Christopher Columbus." 

The possibility of holding communion with the spirit 
of the illustrious discoverer of America, who left the 
scene of his earthly trials nearly four centuries ago,* 
contradicts all our preconceived notions ; and to many 
who read the above will, perhaps, seem absurd- Can- 
did and unprejudiced reflection and reasoning, however, 
will bring the mind of every one to the point of being 
able to perceive that such an occurrence is neither im- 
possible nor indeed improbable. But without argu- 
ing on the matter, here is the phenomenon: A 
person of a simple artless mind sits down, under 
the circumstances narrated above, and pens without 
hesitation the above pieces of composition, in which 
the references to the great facts of the career of Colum- 
bus are made in the most natural and unexpected man- 
ner, and in language which no one of those present 
could have thought of using; as, for example, alluding 
to the continent of America as " no more than a small 
piece of bread, compared to the heavenly regions that 
I am pilgrimaging through every moment of God's 
timer Why the word time was underlined, it is difficult 
to explain, except on the theory that, in the state of be- 
ing referred to, time has a very different meaning 
from what it has to us. This thought is illustrated by 

* Columbus died in poverty and neglect at Valladolid in 150G. 



80 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

the response of what purported to be the spirit of 
Shakespeare, when asked how long he had been in the 
spirit world, — "It seems all as minutes" — as much as 
to say, You know yourself, but years are to me now 
only as minutes. The truth of spirit progression is 
beautifully exemplified in the last sentence, in which 
the intelligence refers to the "kindred spirits in the 
higher spheres." This will be abundantly illustrated in 
a subsequent part of the work. The necessity of humil- 
ity, and the folly and wickedness of pride and vainglory 
are clearly brought out in all these communications.* 
Some may ask, " How is it that Columbus uses the 
English language ? " To this it maybe replied that the 
spirit uses the brain of the medium, and of course em- 
ploys the language which she understands ; or he im- 
presses the ideas and thoughts upon her brain, which she 
immediately expresses in her own words. The process 
is a complicated one, and cannot be explained but to a 
very limited extent. When the spirit of Judge Ed- 
monds was communicating with the editor, through the 
mediumship of his little son, he wrote this very sugges- 
tive admonition : " Do not ask too difficult questions ; 
remember the medium is but a child." Again, it was 
said, by another spirit, " You must make allowance 
for the mediums." The spirit of Shakespeare said 
" Please do not expect me to enrobe my thoughts in 
any other way than through the light that comes with 
your mind's control." (See page 70.) One one occasion, 
when the medium hesitated during the writing of a 
message from Judge Edmonds, it was written : " I find 
you are improving in your mediumship. Why do you 

* "Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their 
own sight." Isaiah v. 21. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 81 

hesitate ? Take it all, as far and as well as you can. 
Then we can give you as we feel ; but expect not per- 
fection from the impromptu of a moment's calling," — a 
very suggestive admonition indeed. The editor, on an- 
other occasion, asked if the Judge could give informa- 
tion in regard to a certain subject, and it was answered : 
" Yes, perhaps, I may succeed, if the medium is pas- 
sive." These references are made here in order to illus- 
trate the intimate connection between the mind of the 
medium as a passive instrument, and the intelligence 
communicating.* 

COMMUNICATIONS FROM MOZART. 

One evening, in October last, a person present, much 
devoted to music, expressed a desire to obtain a com- 
munication from Mozart; but, instead of that, quite a 
long communication was written from another spirit, 
who had frequently written before. On a second call, 
however, the following was written : — 

* This accords with the experience and views of others. The following is 
•cited in illustration : " Cavilersmay say that the production, claiming to have 
come from so distinguished a source, is not marked with the intellectual 
vigor that characterized the efforts of the same mind when embodied in the 
fl^sh. But it must he remembered that it has come through a humble channel, 
and that the law of inspiration through all the ages, has ever been the 
same It necessarily adapts itself to, and takes on the characteristics of, 
the mind through which it flows." — Willis, Theodore Parker in Spirit Life. 
(Boston, 1863.) 

It may also be suggested that •'intellectual vigor" in the cace of an 
advanced spirit is very different, in its elements and indications, from what 
it is when engrossed with the objects, feelings, and pursuits of this life. Let 
U3 see what conclusion a penetrating mind arrived at, simply by analogical 
reasoning, without regard to any of the facts and phenomena of spiritualism: 
'• Tiic affections of the spirit, and their power of intimate communion with 
the Infinite Spirit, not only raise the mind immeasurably above the level of 
the visible world, and carry it clear of the fate of that world ; but raise it 
even above, the. rang,: of the merely intellectual faculties, so that a state may bo 
conceived of, far teller and higher than that of the highest exercise of reason. 
—Isaac 'J atlor, Physical Theory of Another Lifs. (London, 1839.) 



32 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

"Mozart [irregularly written]. — Will you bless me? Oh! 
I am in the eternal life, with a thousand thousand times ten 
thousand souls. Hear the chimes of heaven's harmony of 
sound, proclaiming that all is harmonious in the next, best and 
true state of the future existence. Fear the oncomings of 
God's righteousness, and possess the faith and assurance of a 
most pacific friend. Mozart, the Immortal." 

" Are you in a happy state ? " it was asked, with the 
response : — 

"Yes ; Jesus is my redemption through Christ." 

Here a little clashing of opinion arose as to the 
meaning of this statement, when the medium wrote : — ■ 

'.' Mozart. — I only come when the mind is harmonious." 

Subsequently the following was written : — 

"My kind hearers, I do not think a poor musician can fur- 
ther your plans for the endless joy ; but for any pleasure I may 
bestow upon you by my musical bearing in this world, of course 
it is my duty, for the benefit of the world, to give you my ex- 
perience as you wish. The angels' melodies are not conflicting 
to my tuneful ears, but are the sounds of peace, and accord with 
my soul's finest rapture ; and I wish I could implant into your 
hearts but a single feeling which their presence gives me now, 
as I am doing a mission of charity — but only as a poor and' 
feeble spirit, as so many are gazing into my soul with the feel- 
ing of horror, as toward a child fallen from the knee of its 
parent. 

"Consider my works, dear people of grace, and be not dis- 
mayed at my earnest attempts to portray heavenly sounds. Oh ! 
believe me, no mortal can find in his heart, or voice, or mind's 
intellect, a note of sound so full of sweetness and pleasure as 
the simplest tone from the lips of an angel. But I am intrud- 
ing ; and with the prayers of a spirit, I will depart to my home 
of harmonious study, hoping to greet you with the assurance 
that you are not disappointed in your new abode. 

" In benediction, Mozart." 

Some remarks were made as to the condition of the 
spirit; and the editor said, " Humility is a characteristic 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 83 

of all the advanced spirits." It was immediately writ- 
ten in response to this : — 

" Yes ; blest are we, but we are merely the dust y as you know, 
from the feet of the Master." 

COMMUNICATIONS FROM ABRAHAM LINCOLN". 

On the 24th of November, was presented the most 
startling phenomenon that had been witnessed. Through 
the child medium, without a syllable's being uttered, 
thirteen brief communications from different spirits were 
written one after another, some with startling force, 
simply announcing their presence, and that others pres- 
ent wished to communicate. Among the names writ- 
ten were Shakespeare [repeated twice] and George 
Washington, ending to the astonishment of all present 
with: — 

"Abraham Lincoln is here too ; and that is all. Amen ! 
Amen ! " 

The editor then said : " We shall be glad to have a 
communication from Mr. Lincoln ; " and the pencil was 
taken by his daughter, who immediately wrote the fol- 
lowing : — 

" You are kind friends — a noble band of true listeners ; and I, 
although a spirit of happy intercourse, am notwithstanding a 
poor subject of my Master's creation ! ' God bless him ! ' Being 
constrained to come here and talk to you by the enticement of 
many beams of light, I descend to comfort your hearts in the 
way of peace and rest. I was always a quiet man in the former 
world ; and although I am changed, or I should say, purified, 
by my flight, yet with all, I am the same unsophisticated Abra- 
ham Lincoln, the President of the United States of America, 
and happy I am to repeat this ; for the people, God bless them 
forever ! used me well ; and in everything I think I had the 
support of fine men. But alas ! that my untimely end came 
upon me so suddenly ! For my powers were fast growing 
through God's providence, and I meant to help you all, kind 



84 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATION'S. 

hearers, out of black control to a blessed union of thought as 
well as color, in tbe form of independence. 

"God grant that politics may soon terminate in the revival 
of Christian manhood, as shown you through God's Son upon 
the Cross ; and in this I disclose to you my allegiance to the 
sovereignty of the Great King, who to me is the power that 
moveth us all, whichsoever way we turn. 

" Beloved friends of national freedom, enlist, I pray you, into 
the cause which sets you free beyond the death of the body, or 
mortal framework, of a pure spirit, I hope and trust ; and seek 
to spread the light of this rapturous state of blissful living to 
every kindred soul ; for all is not death, but LIVING ! 

' ' My aim now is for peace, as it was on earth ; and that God 
knows. So depend upon it, I will never forsake you in the 
spirit form ; but, if I can do anything to brighten the paths of 
men, be they white or BLACK, Christian bondsmen or slaves, 
I will do my most and best to sever the ties of hatred, and 
glorify my Maker, and your Maker, and their Maker, who is 
nigh you all forever. I am only Abraham Lincoln." 

Words of commendation of the message were then 
spoken, with thanks to God that we had been privi- 
leged to receive it, for, the hope was expressed, the 
benefit of mankind. The following was then writ- 
ten: — 

' ' You are kind to appreciate a few unworthy remarks, given 
with the greatest power of spiritual love. Bless you ! God, 
forever comfort their hearts ! Amen ! Abraham." 

There was an intermission of nearly an hour, at the 
close of which, although it was supposed the spirit had 
left, the following was written : — 

"I am only Abraham Lincoln, who is in no haste to leave, 
having found a harmonious station to secure me a hope. Be 
very patient, my dear friends. God does not wantonly deprive 
any of the right of speaking their heavenly mind to their 
friends upon the earth ; but, for the present, the hope is small 
that the world will taste of this happy, happy intercourse in 
love from God's mansions on high. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 85 

" I believe I am not the most adored of men, or have not left 
the best feelings on the part of many ; but, for those who did 
not understand that God was my judge, I may say that I am a 
sorry spirit for misunderstanding, and expect fully to greet 
them beyond the river, where we will not have a word to choose 
except the little word love, in which is comprised the whole uni- 
verse, and the Founder of it. Amen : and good night. 

" Abraham Lincoln." 
COMMUNICATION FROM JUDGE EDMONDS. 

To the above the following, from Judge Edmonds, 
[Nov. 21, 1878], is added as being addressed to the 
people among whom he lived, holding the honorable 
and important position of judge in the highest court of 
judicature in the State of New York. To this fact 
reference is very naturally made in the following ad- 
dress : — 

" Judge Edmonds will always possess your hearts with kind- 
ness. My dear friends, and the public, while upon earth, many 
of you paid me the homage due to a judge in the court-house 
of justice ; but, I wager me, you did not know my heart was 
fixed in spiritual sympathy. Well, now, beloved friends of the 
nation at large, I am no longer a judge to attract your faithful 
esteem, but am only a spirit in the glorious light of freedom's 
cause, and can feel for your wrongs only in the blessed state of 
a spirit's love toward you, born of the spirit. Hearken well, 
beloved citizens, and realize plain truths and real facts, and 
trust God forever. For the love of Him, never say DIE. In- 
deed, there is no death beyond your own living ; and happy, 
yea, thrice happy, is the humble man that knows no repentance 
or sorrow for his impatient longings for gain and admiration. 
Vanity, my dear hearers, is no simple fault. Does it not throw 
out a thousand minute particles of hate, and bring them into 
the hearts of your fellow-men, or, as I should say, CHRISTIAN 
brothers? Does not the vain man, like the wolf in sheep's 
clothing, mock the Lord's humility, and seek to usurp His 
throne ? For what are ye now but the branches of a great tree, 
growing to reach their full height \ And the leaves are falling, 



86 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

one by one, on every place ; and it will soon be your turn to 
drop, and feel for your great trunk. Alas ! if your deeds do 
not carry you far beyond the clouds of despair ! Then be dil- 
igent in good actions in life, and in good thoughts and bright 
deeds for every one ; for, as Christ loved you, so should you 
bear and forbear for one another, in love and humility. I beg 
you will never whisper any unkindness toward anyone of God's 
creatures, for we are all wrought out of love, and for future 
love and glory. I say the blackest soul shall meet his reward 
in punishment ; but whether it be for time or eternity will de- 
pend upon the state of his mind then, and not upon the char- 
acter of his actions during the meager living of a mortal. 

"I will further mention to you the fact of a spirit's rising, 
and coming to your earth, not as a mere physiological phenom- 
enon, but with the blest and holy feelings given by God to 
help the world, lost and barren, to bring forth fruit worthy of 
a Saviour ; and, with God's most precious assistance, you will 
yet find out where the spirit of a man is, when he can no longer 
reason of theology and priestcraft, 

c< Pardon any miscallings* in my letter to you ; but you will 
understand my meaning, although you will not seek to be- 
lieve it ! 

" Many friends are watching, and waiting for your remem- 
brance and calling [to the medium and those with her]. I 
sincerely trust you will not disappoint them or myself by your 
despondent thinking, but cheer the world from their solitude 
to the happiness of the communion of saints. 

'•* Judge Edmonds, in trust." 

Mr. L. F. Weismann, who was present, said, " I will 
send this communication to Mr. Kiddle to-morrow"; 
when the following was written : — 

' ' Yes, if you please, and also say, my feelings for him have 
the intensity of respect for his humble efforts toward the re- 
demption of the world of sinners. May God prosper him upon 
the walks of life, and help him above the stormy stepping to 
heavenly heights. Forever we will descend until the majesty 
of all is opened before him in the fullest of rapture and bliss 

* Mistakes in the use of words. He speaks through the mind of a medium. 



SPIRITUAL C0MMTJN-ICATI0N8. 87 

for his soul's satisfaction. Judge Edmonds will be far, far be- 
hind in the regions of peace. My friends are with me in this 
benediction to you all. Judge Edmonds." 

COMMUNICATION FROM QUEEN ELIZABETH OF ENG- 
LAND. 

For the purpose of further evidence and illustration, 
the following is also inserted : — 

[Nov. 13, 1378, without being called.] Elizabeth of England. 
— " I am a spirit who lived upon a throne, and died upon a bed 
of sin. I come to a foreign nation, because my feelings prompt 
me to give you a word of comfort and encouragement. By the 
misinterpretation of life, the soul is lost to its harmony of living. 
Fond and loving brothers in human sympathy, I descend to 
offer my congratulations upon your good efforts. Fix your 
minds earnestly upon the knowledge which proceedeth from the 
Truth, and be persistent in your desires for good, to the dethrone- 
ment of evil. Justly God will demand of your life as you have 
lived. I only pray, in the spirit, that He may have mercy upon 
all the souls in creation. I am no longer the vain and foolish 
Elizabeth of England, but a contented and humble spirit,* who 

* Through the child medium, already spoken of, the following colloquy 
was held with the spirit of .-hakespeare, Sept. 29lh, 1878 :— 

Can ynu name the queen during whose reign you flourished t 

41 1 think it was Elizabeth. 1 ' 

Do spirits em\>loy names? "No ; No." 

Do you ever set the queen ? 

" She is no more than any other good spirit. It makes no difference in our 
world what station you occupy in your world, for that world. " 

That is, your earthly station or business,— whether it be that of a king or a 
peasant, docs not control your condition in the spirit world ; but, if the peas- 
ant has labored more for that world than the king, he will take precedence 
of him in the spirit life. This fact was expressed in the following manner 
by the spirit of a poor woman, addressing one whom she had looked up to in 
this life, and whom she apparently came to thank for her many acts of char- 
ity toward her and her family : — " Well, we meet now in common, for in 
heaven there arc no stations ; and in this I think God is just, for while on 
earth the riches of life seemed to me to be meted out with scrupulous care to 
the undeserving as well as to the perfect man." The obliteration of all earthly 
distinctions in the spirit life finds abundant illustration in very many of the 
communications presented in this book It is a solemn fact, which all should 
heed. It is not new, however, to the Christian, for certainly our Saviour 
taught it very impressively in the parable of Dives and Lazarus. 



88 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

comes with a heart full of help and pity to the living of earth's 
home. May blessings from God ever shower love upon your 
heads, and give you strength in the light of truth. Amen! " 
COMMUNICATION FROM SIR ISAAC NEWTON. 

[Nov. 28, 1878, Sir Isaac Newton called].—" I am Sir Isaac 
Newton, as you denominate me — a spirit of the other life and 
spheres. I bring myself into communion with a great many 
upon the earth, and reflect back from spirit to man, and vice 
verm. It is betokened to me that, through God, are the angels 
lingering upon your hearts. Sincerely I trust that you are upon 
this step, and also that I may lend a helping hand to brighten 
the way, and assist every soul out of its dangerous paths, toward 
the Righteous Judge of mankind. Beloved friends, I am as I 
am — the man who discovered [the medium hesitated, but it was 
suggested law of gravitation] the passage, as I might say, of a 
spirit coming into your midst, for by the same effort do you 
draw us from above ; for the attraction of the earth's surface is 
caused by particles of matter (as I have found in passing from 
life) that might be said to have a spiritual instinct ; and it is by 
a like fellow-feeling that we can approach you. Whether you 
designate the force as love, friendship, or hate, it is neverthe- 
less the most powerful of all attractions ; and it is upon this 
that the world is depending either to be lost, or — O God be 
praised \— gained for his glory. 

" Aim high, my brethren. I intend to be the willing subject 
of a blessed King ; and where the will is, there God will always 
show you a pleasing icay. I feel unhappy sometimes, even in 
moments of joy, that the people of earth do not understand 
their Father's great gift, namely, life. Why, most sacred of 
beings, do you not march, while the drums are beating a glori- 
ous strain, to the home of brightness? Why do you need to 
wait for the solemn dirge of sadness and death ? Does that 
please you better ? Does it seem more like beneficence and love ? 
Do you comprehend GOD in that state ? Then I must say, with 
heartfelt grief, that you have not the love of God in your 
understanding, neither the best strength that a mortal may 
envy. And, if this lifeless existence be your desire and satis- 
faction, without humble prayer, you will reach your day, and be, 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 89 

as you wish, in a helpless position, with nothing to be or desire 
— absolutely nothing — a void, except (now hearken in kindness) 
except, I repeat, that yon will know yourselves, and remain as 
you were, or as you wish to be now. That you may escape 
such a contemptible existence, I pray God to lend you a heart 
and comprehension ; and with this may you gain the beginning 
of all, — Love. I am the discoverer of the earth's chain, and 
with and through it I bring you a heavenly ray. 
"Isaac Newton, 

in Manhood's Spirit." 

The editor then asked, " What is human science com- 
pared to the wisdom of a spirit in the higher spheres '? " 
The following was the response : — 

• ' My friends, the wisdom of God passeth your understand- 
ing ; but this I can say, that as a man has a mind to use accord- 
ing to his will, so also has a spirit this power ; and as a man 
comprehends that he is merely a gifted being descended from 
the Righteous One, be he talented in science or, I might say, has 
he strength in any direction, beyond another, even so he hath 
greater tasks imposed upon him, and greater trusts to discharge ; 
for with light comes also the shadow of thought, and this 
thought is your spirit's guide, either for good or for evil — but, 
I pray me for all, — good." 

COMMUNICATION FROM LAFAYETTE. 

[Marquis de Lafayette called.] — "De Lafayette. — I am here 
by your call — the commander under the command of the gen- 
eral of the American army, in the time of Washington, the true 
follower of peace, in the United States of America, in which 
cause I have the sacred memory of having been enlisted. 

"Most fervent friend in jurisdiction [to H. K. , presiding], 
I am most happy to greet you to-night, in the words of a for- 
eigner, and by the light in which I am situated at p resent. It 
is with fond pleasure I accept this position, and also with the 
feelings of a great spirit that has suffered his punishment through 
penitence of living. 

' ' I was a man born in the flesh ; and now I am a spirit born 
again, but into the spirit world ; and that too of glory ; and, 
indeed, kind listeners, it is a sacred glory also. I am the most 



90 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

unequal of spirits in my mission, sometimes being satisfied to 
feel an existence with Grod, and again in the utmost impatience to 
do a wonderful thing for my Saviour, and for mankind. What 
can 2", in the merciful sight of a Divine Judge, do to assist Him ? 
But you will sympathize with my intense desires in the height 
of my ambition; and, indeed, I am satisfied that you will lend 
me a helping hand in this holy direction. I am very happy in 
this life ; but still I am a restless spirit ; but, I assure you, this 
is through the inheritance of a fiery or impassioned nature, that 
I have always carried with me ; and I do not consider myself 
responsible for my impatience, so far as it is in a righteous di- 
rection. While I have a spirit's fire, I have also a spirit's love. 
Pardonnez-moi ; I am speaking too much. I will bless you in a 
moment of joy, and say, Farewell! Lafayette." 

COMMUNICATIONS FKOM LOED BYRON". 

On the 29th of December, the editor sat with his 
daughter, with the intent to call for the spirit of the 
gifted poet Byron, believing that, from what is gener- 
ally known of his life on earth, the experience of this 
man of genius, in spirit life, must be peculiarly inter- 
esting to many poor, benighted mortals here on earth. 
The result of this call is given below. At first, the 
following was written from the editor's spirit daughter, 
Mary, so faithful in guardianship, so earnest in good 
works : — 

" Mollie sends her love and hope for the success of your 
efforts to-night and for ever." 

Can you bring tlie spirit of Lord Byron ? 

" Yes ; in one minute." 

[Change of control.] " * Lord ' Byron,* in name, but mere- 
ly the spirit of a sinful mortal, whose birth was given by a 
woman, born of sin and the flesh. One need never feel elated 
with his life on earth ; for it is never more than a bright spot 
to point him up to higher realms of glory, at his desire. Aim- 

* This mode of writing his name—" Lord " Byron— significantly ex- 
presses his disclaimer of the title. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 91 

less is the man who knows no rising beyond despair ; "but un- 
ending is the life which succeeds, unraveling the meshes of 
pain into the will of a destiny ordained by a heavenly King in 
command of the universe, and this too with the love of a sov- 
ereign Potentate. And ye are his subjects of trust, and should 
ever be in subjection to his authority. 

"I am in a state succeeding the possession of titles obtained 
upon the borders of mother earth ; but these certainly do not 
help my elevation here, except (N. B.) to give me strength 
according to my means of using these gifts of humanity. I 
was a sinful man in my physical condition, but had, most prob- 
ably, very many bright angel suggestions to deliver to the 
people of the world, in which I grew into my spirit's develop- 
ment. 

" My dear friends, be ye united in the harmony of one people, 
enlightened by one God over all, and in you all, showing you 
how truly to live, whether according to your own will, or your 
comprehension of the will of God, but I pray me in accordance 
with both these promptings. 

" Merely to show you that I still live, I will endeavor to re- 
cite to you a weak poem, in the light of heavenly revela- 
tions : — 

" The feelings of trust, my friends, earnest and true, 

With which I now pen these few lines to you, 

Are many, with all the emotions strong 

That unto a spirit's being belong. 

Though small the pleasure, for your soul's delight, 

They will give you a foretaste of the realms of light. 

Dissever the ties which bind you here, 

And you will ever rejoice in your Father's care. 

Enlist yourselves in the ranks above 

Of Truth and Hope, for your Saviour's love, 

Who designs all your lives with sovereign care ; 

And be fortified also with fervent prayer. 

I am only waiting to speak with the blest 

To give you in heaven a peaceful rest. 

It is a spirit above who offers you this, 

And who longs to receive you in homes of bliss. 

Oh ! long have I suffered ! Transfixed with pain, 



92 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

My spirit's agony met naught but disdain ; 

But amid my tormentors' horrible leers, 

Lo ! a heavenly light from the upper spheres 

My destiny upward and onward sealed ; 

And unto my raptured eyes was revealed 

A vision of hope. 0, beauteous and bright 

Was the glory of that celestial light ! 

That you may sincerely accept this, I pray, 

With Amen ! in the depths of your hearts, and say, 

O Father in heaven I Thy will is my love ! 

Be thy will done on earth as in heaven above ! "* 

" Byron, in Secret." 
The following interesting and impressive colloquy 
then ensued between the spirit and the editor : — 

Do you feel regret for your writings while on earth ? 

" Can the sun change its course? ** 

Your poems are still read and admired by very many 1 

" Not as I wish, with the light of Jesus upon them." 

I presume your views have undergone great change since you 
passed from earth t 

' ' May you never know the experience with which I now can 
say Amen ! to God." 

Is there anything in your experience the relation of which 
would enlighten mankind for their good t 

"My life is past, and I feel that a single moment of my pres- 
ent bliss fully compensates for all the distractions of doubt 
which hindered my attaining this blessed state. " 

Was your condition at first one of happiness? 

" More so than it should have been. I was in the esteem of 
good spirits, but had to grow to the fruition of good and 
mighty workings, such as I knew not of, in order to be in their 
midst. What a man creates for himself, that he will possess 
unto his final perfection, together with what he wishes, or 



* This poem is here given somewhat paraphrased, and with a few emenda- 
tions, hut the thought and imagery arc strictly as given through the medium, 
and generally also the rhyming words. The medium has found considerable 
difficulty in taking the full impression of poetical language ; the images, how- 
ever, appear to be very readily received. 






SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 93 

hopes, or (Oh ! Almighty help ! ) prays for. This will he gather 
for his Saviour's work, and for his own progress and rising in 
light." 

We intend with the permission and blessing of God to give 
these your latest writings to the world. 

" Yes, in a pure manner, and without pomp." 

Yes • I partly conceive that humility is the essential virtue of 
a spirit's existence. 

" If you but knew the extent of humility here, you would 
have no difficulty in finding a home upon your arrival on the 
new plane of existence and endurance." 

Your life, no doubt, is still active in deeds of goodness ? 

" More than you suppose. Life is living ; and living is eter- 
nity ; and eternity is God ; and God is love ,• and love is the be- 
ginning and the end of all things — matter and mind ; and who 
can say, whence it is, or whither it flies ? Or who can find a 
perfect realization of it except by prayer ? " 

Do you desire to say anything else for the benefit of mankind ? 

"'My mind is at your service, but I am merely a spirit." 

O, is it not better to be in spirit than in the flesh ? Does not a 
spirit enjoy grander opportunities than are possible to a mortal 
here below ? 

" Yes ; but only in proportion as you, in the body, have winged 
your flight for that enjoyment of progress. I am, in aim, with 
the angels who weep, in the possession of love for the fallen 
ones, and who are ever beseeching God with pure strength to 
increase their powers of goodness to help the world, and to 
bring all the creatures of God's love into one blest companion- 
ship of joy." 

Will you icriic a brief communication on the world of dark 
spirits ? 

" Oh I my friends in God's love, whose hapless fate 

It is now to feel, when, alas ! too late, 

The sorrows that come from a sinful career, 

Not mine to exult ; but in anguish and fear, 

To gaze into that dark abyss of woe, where 

They are suffering the horrors of black despair ; 

While sighing and mourning, and lingering awhile 

Round the sacred ashes of a funeral pile. 



94 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

Oil \ dark is the vision for tliera and for me ; 

For, alas ! too plainly my spirit can see 

That no ray of light is around them thrown, 

All hope in the mercy of God having flown. 

But, lo ! from above comes a slender thread, 

To lift np again these dark spirits of lead. 

The small ones, — the dear ones, — God's angels of love — 

0, see their blest angling in regions above ! 

And the spirits in dread, no escape being nigh, 

Catch a glimpse of the light coming down from on high, 

And, finally caught in this heavenly snare, 

Are lifted above the dread realms of despair ; 

Then are wafted still upward to the mightier bands 

Of the seraphs on high, by whose blessed hands, 

They are borne still aloft,— O, far, far above ! 

And finally reach the blest mansions of love ; 

Where, washed their dark stains, their sins all forgiven, 

They taste of the joys of their Father in heaven. 

"I can scarcely speak of evil, when so much brightness is in 
store for you. "Byron." 

The reader is here referred to two communications 
from Edgar A. Poe, given on pp. 159-61, where they are 
inserted as illustrative, especially, of the subject of the 
dark world and the condition of contrite spirits. That 
they harmonize fully with the preceding, from Byron, 
will be quite obvious. 

COMMUXICATIOXS EKGM THE POET SHELLY. 

On the 25th of January, the poet Shelly was asked 
to communicate, and the following was written ; — 

" Percy Shelly. — My dear friend, tried, esteemed, and kind, 
you will truly find that, in these sacred stores, there is gold far 
more precious than the metal of that name. More bounteous is 
the love that comes from the celestial spheres than oceans of 
that which you can taste in the earthly bondage. Repentance, 
dear friends, will find for you a spot where murmuring brooks 
give greeting of melodious harmony — where there are endless 
tunings upon angels' harps. Placid and calm are the homes 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 95 

of rest granted to you in space, where the angels fondly live in 
harmony. No sounds of discord will greet you on high, unless 
you are so untutored and false as to accept them as congenial to 
you, — unless they assimilate with your own minds. 

"Dear friends, still in the field of action, self is no aim for 
lis ; but only indifference to selfish intent. Then fondly keep 
yourselves from harm, and teach in its true aspect the truth 
that vanity is loss, and that to the just who have learned the 
true lessons of love and kindness ever will beneficence come 
from above. 

" In endless glory, your friend in so good a cause, 

" Shelly." 

One of the company remarked, that he expected to 
find Shelly in a condition of greater penitence. The 
editor said : " Undoubtedly he has risen by repentance 
to his present blissful state ; " and asked if the spirit 
would respond. The following was then written : — 

" Yes, if to give a happy result — always. You need not ask. 

" Many fields abound in glory — some undefiled and without 
weeds ; while others are full of stubble. I was a field that was 
well sown with good seed, but, alas ! one in which the harvest 
was not satisfactory — one the glory of which could have out- 
shone any weak light ;* but sin, the destroyer, came, and scat- 

* Shelly's poetry evinces great spiritual insight, notwithstanding his al- 
leged atheism and irroligion, which was rather a reaction against false creeds 
and inconsistent dogmas, than actual impiety. To show the clearness of his 
conception of soul and body, the following is cited from Queen Mab ; 
"Sudden arose 
Ianthe's soul ; it stood 
All beautiful in naked purity, 
The perfect semblance of its bodily frame, 
Instinct with inexpressible beauty and grace. 
Each stain of earthliness 
Had passed away ; it reassumed 
Its native dignity, and stood 
Immortal amid ruin.'" 
And the following shows that he had a true conception of the future life :— 
" Fear not then, spirit, death's disrobing hand ; 
So welcome when the tyrant is awake, 
So welcome when the bigot's hell-torch burns ; 



96 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

tered abroad the seeds of sorrow, and I foolishly took up his 
plow, I also gave him the sword, with which he vanquished 
me in the battle of strife, and took me captive. But, in the 
next warfare, God was my strength, by means of which I un- 
derstood my true position, for then my sinful ways gave me pain 
and distress. I found, also, many means to relieve my wants ; 
but the greatest of these was the bounteous love which tried 
me well, and gave me my just portion. I pray you to take a 
moral from this, and truly perceive the evil consequences of 
sin. 

" Clearly will you see, in regions of bliss, 
That goodness is stored for beings like this. 

*' Shelly." 

COMMUNICATION FROM WM. CULLEN BRYANT. 

To the communications presented from the poets of 
the past, the editor was enabled, while this work was in 
the hands of the compositor, to add one from the ven- 
erable American poet, William Cullen Bryant [deceased 
June 12, 1878, aged 84]. In response to a call, he 
wrote as follows, with unusual calmness : — 

" Wm. Cullen Bryant.— My blest friends in one common 
Humanity (you see I do not disdain the relationship I once held), 

Tis but the voyage of a darksome "hour, 
1 he transient gulf-dream of a startling sleep. 
Death is no foe to virtue : earth has seen 
Love's brightest roses on the scaffold bloom, 
Mingling with freedom's fadeless laurels there, 
And presaging the truth of visioned bliss. 
Are there not hopes within thee, which this scene 
Of linked and gradual being has confirmed 1 '' — Queen Mab. 
Stronger evidence still is found in the beautiful poem Adonais, 
" Peace, peace 1 he is not dead, he doth not sleep — 
He hath awakened from the dream of life — 
'Tis we who, lost in stormy visions, keep 
With phantoms an unprofitable strife, 
And in mad trance strike, with our spirit's knife, 
Invulnerable nothings. — We decay- 
Like corpses in a charnel ; fear and grief 
Convulse us and consume us day by day, 
And cold hopes swarui like worms within our living clay." 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 97 

I feel tlie immensity of the work in hand for our brethren ; 
and it would afford me more than earthly pleasure to give a 
retrospect of my conditions and bearing from my infancy to 
my new spirit state of regeneration. Regeneration ! — an inoffen- 
sive word it should be to all. May it be so to as many as the 
Lord may choose for his own pleasure ; and in this, conse- 
quently, must be comprised every soul that is gifted with life. 
Sacred instinct ! Do not desecrate the proud distinction which 
is given you, to be borne for that Better Part, which you all 
know is the Saviour of mankind. 

"I linger around the scene of my earthly efforts with deep 
feelings of both sorrow and joy. My dear friends, much is 
always left undone, that should have been uppermost, and 
should have shed the brightest beams upon our after thoughts. 
God pardon our shortcomings ! Life seems too short to accom- 
plish our ends ; but it is far from being so, if our minds have 
been pure and guiltless, and have realized what life is — what 
it truly means, and where it ends. Believe your Bible all you 
can (bless the book from one generation to another !) but if this 
does not enable you to show forth good actions and noble deeds 
for God, then seek the Source that does give you the guiding- 
star to a natural and happy sympathy with good works. 

" I find my life was lost to many, many good ways. A poet ! 
Bah ! what is he in God's home ? In my own home on earth, I 
was respected for talents and mental capacities : while here I 
exhibit characteristics that outshine human faculties ; and all 
the actions of my life stand forth in my external appearance, 
as never to be conceived of by mortal power. Take heed, 
friends, that in this judgment, each day, each hour, each mo- 
ment bear testimony to the righteous working of your souls 
for God's glory. Cast away envy and malice, and permit a poor 
man's spirit to say, you will then never regret the day you ex- 
changed deceit and ignominy for openness in action and freedom 
in thought, which will lead you unto superb dwellings of 
peace and concord — unto realms of brightness and majesty — 
and, finally, into the presenceof theGiverof all laws — physical, 
moral, and spiritual — a ruler who deals so kindly, a father (a 
better name by which to express him), whom all love ; while 



98 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

from such love comes a higher feeling — namely, a righteous 
worship. 

' ' Dear friends, I weep now with joy to speak of my Father 
Spirit. Such benign compassion 1 Working with such a per- 
fect system throughout the universe ! Never an atom is lost or 
misused by God's divine power and wisdom. No, not a thought 
could be misdirected by his wish. Oh I how unkind you are to 
repulse your best and noblest feelings ! You all have such 
feelings ; they spring spontaneously, even from your birth cry. 
Why bury them in the recesses of your hearts, and let sinful 
lust chase away those pure openings to future joys ? Oh ! I 
feel too deeply the sins of my compeers I They seem to take 
me from my own despair — or rather the remorse that I feel for 
my own outgrowing in sin. A man of my years ! Oh ! what a 
multitude of blessings I should have accumulated for myself ! 
He that lives longest has more time to fit himself for his heaven. 
Alas ! my heaven lacks a something that I shall have to seek, 
and work for — needs a something that no mortal can give, nor 
spirit either — namely, perfect rest. 

" God is my desire. Him I covet, and to his ordeal I will 
ever murmur a sanctified Amen ! in the presence of holy angels, 
and in the light, and with the permission, of the Holy Spirit, 
which encompasses both us and yourselves, on all sides, and 
forever. I ask God — the Mightiest and Best — to protect you, 
and bring you to your perfect rest. May he grant this petition 
from the spirit breast of your warm and earnest friend, 

" Wm. Cullen Bryant." 

This really grand composition, so majestic in its 
thoughtfulness, though sorrowful in its tone — was writ- 
ten slowly, for spirit writing, but occupied less than 
forty minutes — perhaps half an hour. The reader will 
notice that the close is poetic in form; but beautiful 
imagery abounds throughout. Bryant, with all his 
virtues, so admired, so eulogized by his fellow-men, is 
sad in his translation to those higher spheres of spirit 
glory and purity in which none are completely happy 
until the earth stains are washed away. But, in the 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 99 

communication of a holy spirit it is said : " My repent- 
ance was not for long; but no mortal ever leaves his 
clay without a sigh at the day of atonement." The les- 
son taught is an impressive one, which all would do 
well to ponder. 

COMMUNICATION FROM FELICIA HEMANS. 

The following was written on the 2nd of February. 
When the call was made, the medium said : " I hear the 
words, ' may the heavens open to give you every bless- 
ing ! ' " She also described the spirit as appearing to 
her clairvoyant vision as a " woman robed in white, 
calm and sedate, and possessed of great sweetness 
and dignity." The editor said : " She was good and 
gifted, and used her gifts well, I think." It was then 
written : — 

* ' My spiritual name is Truth, or Sincerity ; but my name 
upon the field of the earth was Felicia Hemans. For all the 
gifts of life I thank my Father in Heaven.'' 

Will you write a communication to enlighten mankind ? 

' ' Man is the image of his Maker, born for the supreme work- 
ings of God, his judge. When the mind of man is so purified, 
that he can comprehend his Maker's endowments in himself, 
he will then be able to enjoy a foretaste of his eternal joys, and 
find sympathy with and congeniality in truth, openness, free- 
dom, and rest, which are the results of a good life — a life of 
unselfish aim, or of ambition for good. Evil will flee at the 
thought of goodness ; and God will elevate your souls for the 
high workings which please him, and justify his sacred name. 
Folly is the ruler of many people. Theology is the soothsayer, 
who slays his millions, or keeps his followers in the bondage 
of ignorance. Time is flying, my dear friends, and God is un- 
changing. Punish yourselves in the earth land, that you may 
more fully reap the everlasting satisfaction of bliss in the land 
of eternal progression. He that resisteth the evil one will cer- 
tainly prepare for himself a house fit for a king's glory, and 
worthy of God's home. Profit and loss are your lives' prompt 



100 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

ings on earth ; and he that gains the world must take heed lest 
he lose his own soul. May no light profit be yours, and may 
God teach you that the final loss of a world's joys will but 
bring you nearer to the love and glory of a kind and true Pro- 
tector and Sympathizer. Poets and peasants are here to greet 
you, and to offer you this hope, with love and great anticipation. 
Joys unknown await the good and just man in spirit. 
" Your humble and loving friend, 
" Felicia Hemans, 

" from on high, Amen ! " 

COMMUKICATIOK FROM BEXJAMIX FRAXKLIX. 

On the 26th of January, Benjamin Franklin, having 
been called, the medium described him as an old man 
of calmness and decision. The editor spoke of his 
equanimity. The following was then written :— 

" Benjamin Franklin " [large but regular and sustained] . 

We greet you with much 'pleasure. 

" Mutual sympathies. Allow me to express to you my feel- 
ings of joy to show myself to you through a kindred mortal of 
earthly existence. What may the spirit of a man of ' equa- 
nimity, ' but far from purity, offer you for your comfort ? " 

Whatever you think would enlighten mankind. 

" God is the uplifter of all good things and high works for 
the glorious mansions of bliss beyond the Jordan of weakness 
and care, strife and ambition. People think to assume the 
character of individuality ; but there is no individuality — either 
in thought or words ; for every one cometh from God, the pred- 
ecessor of all. He has fertilized and matured every ambition, 
giving the encouragement by which is gained an atoning felic- 
ity, perfect and beyond description. 

" I fear me, mortal will lose his mind, if folly gain so tight a 
hold upon him. God is gracious. Weep and wrangle as much 
as you will, God will take no weapon of defense, but sheer com- 
passion. I could have torn myself into ribbons to have escaped 
so much of the vengeance of compassion as was shown in his 
character toward me. 

" Do not be slow in your hearts. Commend yourselves unto 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. \Q\ 

God, your high and righteous benefactor. He will endow you 
with every necessary means of vindication against wrong. We, 
in spirit, approach you with love, anxiety, and bliss. Receive 
us, and perceive that God is the prompter of our actions. You 
will then see how near he is to you, and how dear you are to 
him. Grief no man knows like the Father of grief. Blind folly 
is the antagonistical weapon with which you battle with your 
Maker. Cast this aside, and you will then be free from many 
evils ; and angels of light will create in your thoughts the ele- 
vated character of a true disciple. B. F. was no man to preach 
Gospel repentance ; but B. F. is changed by a mighty hand, and 
in that change finds a destiny of revolution. Not now am I 
egotistical in action, or positive in mind, but free to plunge into 
many kinds of instruction, and all works that ennoble a char- 
acter. 

" Be in no haste to be wise ; for in that is the conceit of your 
lives. B. F. remembers days of vanity of thought ; but now is 
high, and released from his doom. 

' ' Beseech all men 

To take up the cross which Jesus bore, 
And taste of death to reach heaven's shore. 

" Farewell ! From on high no storms are flying, or coursing 
about, but simply serenity and purity and the like. Suffer your- 
selves to be bought, and brought, by the pearl of great price. 
' ' Fondly, B. Franklin, in esteem only. " 

COMMUNICATIONS FROM JOSEPH LANCASTER. 

On the evening of the 9th of February, the editor 
requested the spirit of Joseph Lancaster, — on earth so 
devoted to the education of the people — to write a 
communication, with the following result : — 

" Joseph Lancaster, your servant for God's kingdom. I 
remember my days spent in the earth with great satisfaction, 
with the exception of a slight feeling of regret that I could not 
push on with greater strength, to improve the conditions of my 
fellow-men. But no man does as God would like ; and I, 
among this class, am far, far away from perfect workings. 

" Spirit life is harder to bear in its beautiful teachings than 



102 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

the mortal existence ; for so much is prepared to enrapture one, 
that he needs to be gifted in goodness to appreciate fully so 
much without a little remorse, filling his spirit with pain. 1 
think, my fellow-men, that you should profit by these workings 
of God for your good. When man shall accept true statements 
and realities, he will then be more on a level with his Creator. 
Fix your hearts, so that you may be ready to be with good 
lives, either present or future. Nobility will then characterize 
your lives ; but no minor actions will affect them, nor will 
they be unprepared for the ambition that points to right paths 
under God's leading. 

" Remember so old a friend with the feelings of esteem. I 
shall ever greet you with great gladness, and comfort you with 
a word when no other comfort is nigh. 

"Seek the comfort of God, and deliver man from darkness. 
" Joseph Lancaster, a friend." 

Will you write a brief communication upon the subject of edu- 
cation, to which you devoted so much of your life ? 

" Education, a word which God approves. While seeking 
God, seek also to know and understand everything ; but, first and 
foremost, know thy God ; secondly (and best), know thyself ; 
thirdly, know thy end ; fourthly, know the right ; fifthly, know 
not wrong ; sixthly, know and do well. Amen ! and all is 
Amen to the man working for man's salvation. Glory to God ! ! " 

This communication will be recognized by all who 
personally knew Joseph Lancaster as being very char- 
acteristic. The editor saw him several times on his last 
visit to New York (where he died [Oct. 24, 1838], from 
an accident). He heard him speak frequently, and was 
present on the occasion of his delivering a lecture on 
Education, in one of the public school buildings of this 
city. He belonged to the Society of Friends, and was 
highly distinguished for his universal philanthropy. 

COMMUNICATION FROM WILLIAM PENN. 

Immediately after the above was written, the name 
of William Fenn was suggested ; and the medium was 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 103 

impressed to say : u William Perm, a friend to all men." 
Then the following was written : — 

" William Penn, a friend to all men ! I ! Attend, my 
friends, to the religion of jour souls, which is perfect char- 
ity toward all, both in bondage and freedom ! Charity cov- 
ereth a multitude of sins ; but he that hath charity hath no sin, 
for charity cometh from a pure heart and noble affection, such 
as God giveth, and man hath kept unpolluted from stain, and 
has not banished from his life. 

' ' Win. Penn, the Quaker, is a spirit — a man once in the body, 
and in sin. But God took me home, and I live now in glory, 
ripening into full blossom, when the summer heat of patience 
shall have effected a perfect cure of all evils inherited through 
the flesh. Command the people to taste of these simple joys. 
Be the eomfort of their souls, leading them to the joys of a life 
in which they will become free, and in which turmoil will be 
no more. 

1 ' Brother Penn sees light for his friends in all directions ; 
but it gives him suffering to see it cast aside, or ill used. God 
is heavenly gracious to all, or we should, indeed, be without 
his pity ; nay, under his supreme contempt. Lift yourselves 
up to see the life of a spirit, and waste not a moment in wrong- 
doing. It gives sorrow to God and his spirits ; and it will give 
bitter grief to you, dear man, when God shall ask you to go to 
your other abiding place. 

" I feel much joy in coming to you. You are lifted into a 
high sphere of action ; and may God show you your way, and 
open the eyes of the people to take the benediction of a Father, 
and not be rebellious or wayward. 

" Wm. Penn is no longer a servant on earth, but a servant on 
high, and does the will of the Father. All leads to good, and 
God is the end. Amen ! So be it ! Wm. Penn, a leader/' 

COMMUNICATION FROM NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. 

On the evening of the 9th of February, a call was 

made for Napoleon Bonaparte. A few minutes after 

the name was spoken, the medium felt an extraordinary 

control — powerful and violent — giving the impression 



104 SPIBITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

of intense activity and force, as well as great eagerness 
to communicate. Some time elapsed before the spirit 
could calm his emotions so as to write. The medium 
was almost lifted up, the pencil was struck repeatedly 
upon the paper, and the point broken off. Two or 
three times, the medium was obliged to throw down 
the pencil, as the force with which it was struck upon 
the table hurt her hand. In a short time, however, the 
spirit's emotion seemed to subside ; and he then wrote 
with considerable calmness. The communication is as 
follows : — 

"Napoleon Bonaparte [peculiar and obscure]. — Heaven 
defend the cause. Save your souls. Love your Maker. Love 
one another. Follow no man. Flee evil. Do good. Aim for 
GOD. [Written with wonderful rapidity.] 

" I am small — insignificant ; as worthless in mind, as I was 
small in body — contemptible in the feelings of a MAN. 

" Man is a title to prize. Lift yourselves up to the true dig- 
nity of your name. Great God ! ! ! You are in the image of 
your Maker. Would to heaven I had felt the spirit power 
stronger ! 

"Work for man, and in this you work for God. Battle and 
fight for freedom — not here ; no, hereafter ; not for reptiles, 
not for heathenish follies. No, my dear people. 

" Listen to the words of a spirit who commanded many armies 
in the earth — sorrowfully I say it. To think I could allow men 
to FIGHT ! God ! peace is thy name, and thy home ; and 
peaceful should it be to all ; and thus does the great Sovereign 
Spirit design, and devise us to be with him in supreme love and 
holy satisfaction. Complete victories hath no man ; but he that 
seeks relief in help for his brethren shall find pure satisfaction. 

"My God ! the judgment of death took me to the depths of 
despair. With so much applause for my actions on earth, 
should I not receive more, more, in heaven ! Noble disappoint- 
ment ! I am — what I am / 

"But my light is flying to softer realms; and joy comes 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 105 

to me now, as I go to reach my place of comfort. I now am no 
longer in a desert ; I am gifted with great faculties ; and, while 
nothing can take the past from me, yet the present is delightful 
to gaze upon ; and I wander around, and feel the nature of my 
God in his immense goodness to all of us — no matter how small 
or insignificant. Be it mortal, or animal, or insect, or reptile, 
or tree, or flower, or life, in any form of matter, it cometh from 
the Source of existence, the bounty of which you can never 
understand until you are elevated into your next life of expan- 
sion, in heavenly growth, to taste of joys such as the angels 
know. Life is action — going on, and on, and on. 

" Perhaps, you will give me a comfort, and take the words of 
a general (who should have wrapt his men in the garments of 
humility, instead of filling their minds with the feelings of ha- 
tred and revenge), and allow no wars to be waged among you, no 
bickerings against one another, which may possibly lead to 
death, and through this indirectly to destruction. No man can 
kill another without destroying himself as well, and that cer- 
tainly with more SUFFERING in the act. Such is God's love, 
that he that soweth shall reap his own harvest. So take heed, 
my dearest people of God's beautiful earth, that you desecrate 
not your country or yourselves by wickedness or crime ; but 
sanctify all with great hope and heavenly benediction, 

" Remember not the Emperor Napoleon. He has flown. But, 
in the spirit of happy growth, he asks you to do well, and to 
fight for the kingdom of glory and peace. 

" May' heaven defend your cause, and protect every soul unto 
its perfect rest. Amen ! Napoleon Bonaparte, a spirit." 

It was suggested that he might wish to say something 
for France ; but the medium was impressed to say : " All 
countries are alike to me now." " Do you desire to say 
anything else V " was asked ; and the answer was : — 

" No. Do everything for God ; and God will love you eter- 
nally." 

BURR AND IIAMILTOJS". 

In some respects, the most interesting and instructive 
lesson afforded during this very wonderful experience, 



106 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

is presented by the two following communications from 
Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton. The former was 
requested to write on the 16th of February, 1879, and 
immediately afterward Alexander Hamilton also com- 
municated. When the name of Aaron Burr was pro- 
nounced, with the wish that he would write a message 
for the good of the world, the medium heard, as it 
were, close to her ear, in a loud, harsh, prolonged stage 
whisper, the cry of Mur . . .der ! followed by an ex- 
clamation of extreme disgust — Pah!! During the 
writing, she saw the spirit as of a man feeling intense 
inward suffering — shaking his head in sorrow, his mouth 
firmly compressed, and giving other indications of the 
deepest remorse. When the communication was writ- 
ten, he seemed to float away, looking back with an in- 
tent gaze, and pointing to what had been written. 
Burr's message is as follows : — 

" Aaron Burr, a spirit covered with blood ! ! My dear 
friend, I am grieved to think you could remember a man so vile 
in mortal flesh, — one whose name resounds the call from death — 
one who longs for freedom — one who bears horror in his visage — 
and one who is hopeless of a better state, from doom." [The 
editor said mentally : " God is kind and merciful."] 

" Oh ! I know God is kind ; and 0, I am sure he is just, and 
that he abhors a bad action, whether toward himself or toward 
his creature, man, in his image. But I long, O so much ! to 
free myself from the pain in my breast. Can I never, never be 
relieved from it ? Shall I be forever tied and bound, with these 
terrors of death upon me ? no ! I shall certainly get on — 
and fast, too. But I shall still remember. O, most fatal word — 
and fact, to all of us ! Flee to any place you will, you can 
never flee God's sight, God's love, and God's power. Immense 
attractions I see in the distance, and I hover between two 
spheres — one of darkness and the other of brightness itself. 
God knows, I am seeking to get to the latter, where I shall be- 
come stronger, and be able to cast aside my misfortune. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 107 

"Dear friends, take care of yourselves. Cleanse and purify 
yourselves. Be not near any tiling evil. One inch toward the 
bad will carry you, without your knowledge, a mile away from 
God. I tell you this from a sad experience, and one from which 
I am now being well cleansed ; for I am now heading the even 
track of progress. March on, I say to my spirit. God is the 
victory I would gain. God is the keeper of my spirit in prison, 
and to him I appeal. Every word he listens to with sympathy 
for my sufferings ; but how can he help me ? Did he do wrong ? 
Did he say, Revenge ? Did Christ say, Take vengeance for all 
misdeeds ? No ; emphatically, no. He gave the golden rule ; 
he said : ' Peace on earth — good-will toward men ; ' and ' Love 
your enemies.' Ah ! there's the rub. Why did I not see these 
things in life? What merit to slay and kill, and live for victory 
only ? There is only one Victor ; and He is so gracious a one, 
that you never feel yourself vanquished. Oh I there again is 
my trial ! O God ! deliver me from thy spiritual presence of 
supernal wrath of love ; and I shall abound with goodness, and 
foster myself for a life in harmony. 

" So, farewell ! It pleaseth me to come, and relate my expe- 
rience. Perchance, it may lift some soul from groveling so low 
in the earth, that he cannot feel God in his heart. Attested He 
will be on high ; and I pray for every one to mind sincerely his 
Father's teachings of patience and goodness toward all ; and then 
you will never reap the whirlwind of your own despair. Good 
things lead to God ; so choose them, and leave no opportunities 
for good unimproved. Your storehouse is in heaven. 

" Good bye ! I am, in sorrow, your friend and champion for 
the Right. Aaron Burr, a culprit. Amen ! " 

The following was then written by the spirit of Alex- 
ander Hamilton, the medium, who had been sorrow- 
fully impressed with the preceding control, exclaiming. 
" Oh ! this spirit is happy ! " 

*' Hamilton, an actor in the drama of hatred and suffering. 

"I seek, my good friends, pardon and relief from a higher 
source of comfort than mortal will comprehend. I fear no foe 
fighting me now, having benedictions from glory. I am a meager 
spirit in my Father's home, and grieve many a time for my 



108 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

comrade's fate ; but while spirit cannot take from spirit, al- 
though we wish it, yet he can carry much to him by prayer 
and uplifting praise. Glory to God in the highest ! proceedeth 
out of my spirit's depths, that I, a weak mortal, should have 
received so much kindness in my helpless condition of mind. 
I assure you I found favor with many spirits on that day in 
which my fate was sealed, or I should have lost my way, amid 
so many kinds of cheer that greeted my entrance in the spirit 
life. I felt stunned at first. I felt mystified, and chagrined, to 
come so suddenly in the face of my Creator. But mystifica- 
tion soon gave way to insight ; and, with this power, came 
activity and growth ; and from these two latter means of grace, 
I felt encouragement and happiness. 

' ' But, alas ! one cord drew me ever to the earth ; and that tie 
was the change of feeling I experienced toward Aaron, my 
slayer. [The cry of Blood! Blood! was here heard by the 
medium.] It hurts me to say this. I cannot tell you how 
much it pains me to repeat it ; but he will forgive it ; and why 
need I fear mortal man's derision or exultation, when the 
' Culprit ' forgives me, and pardons his own doom ? Ah, me ! 
A sad tale altogether to me ! And while I clasp my friend's 
hand [the medium here saw both stand — Burr mute and pass- 
ive, and Hamilton grasp one of his hands in both his own, and 
shake it with emotion] in mine, I pray that heartfelt sympathy 
will reap its reward, and that God will hearken to the prayers 
of his humble servant, and your obedient friend, in the com- 
panionship of Aaron, my esteemed friend, always the same. 
" Gratefully and persuasively, I am 

"Alex. Hamilton, a missionary." 

Oh ! wliy cannot that sad affair be forgotten, when you are both 
so forgiving — so kind and loving to each other ? 

* ' Memory will outlast time ! " 

But why should the memory be so sad and poignant ? 

1 ' It is not always so ; but you bring sad associations by means 
of your call and questions." 

0, lam sorry ; but is it not for a good cause ? 

' ' Yes ; a heavenly cause ! Amen ! " 

The great lesson taught in these communications is 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 109 

that the spirit, when freed from the chains and darkness 
of flesh, is able to see things in their proper relations to 
God, humanity, and himself; and when thus enlightened 
finds the remembrance of his evil deeds the most terri- 
ble punishment that can be conceived ;* while the clear- 
ness and permanence of that remembrance make the fate 
of the sinner inexpressibly dreadful, confronted as he is 
with his own wickedness and the infinite purity and 
love of his Creator. Fearful examples of this are yet 
to be presented. 

COMMUNICATION FROM WASHINGTON IRVING. 
Beautiful, and soothing to the mind, after a perusal 
of the preceding communications — so sad, yet so natu- 
ral, is the following from the pure, gentle, and blissful 
spirit of the gifted and genial writer, Washington 
Irving. It was given immediately after that from Ham- 
ilton, these three remarkable messages being written in 

* The editor is reminded here of those two verses written by an unknown 
hand on a blank leaf of a copy of Rogers's Pleasures of Memory ; — 
Pleasures of Memory ! — oh ! supremely blest, 

And justly proud beyond a poet's praise, 
If the pure confines of thy tranquil breast 
Contain, indeed, the subject of thy la.\ s ! 
By me how envied '.—for to me 
The herald still of misery, 
Memory makes her influence known 
By sighs, and tears, and grief alone. 
I greet her as the fiend, to whom belong 
The vulture's ravening beak, the raven s funeral song. 
She tells of time misspent, of comfort lost, 

Of fair occasions gone forever by ; 
Of hopes too fondly nursed, too rudely crossed, 
Of many a cause to wish, yet fear, to die ; 
For what except th' instinctive fear 
Lest she survive, detains me here, 
When "all the life of life " is fled ? 
What, but the deep inherent dread, 
Lest she beyond the grave resume her reign, 
And realize the hell that priests and beldams feign ? 



110 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

the short space of a little over an hour. What human 
genius could have executed such a wonder! 

" Washington Irving. — My best friends, what may I store 
your minds with, in these happy unions of celestial felicity? 
May the light brought to your minds, never be received with- 
out a good and happy result to the well-being of your souls in 
terrestrial bliss ! Bliss should encompass your lives, in pain or 
pleasure ; for ' weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh 
in the morning ; ' and there is rest at last. Benefit your souls 
by your powers of reason. I entreat you to fulfil God's laws of 
nature. Simple and unaffected you will always find them ; and 
perfect, as all pure things are. 

"I remind you of a neat little person, now in the home of his 
Master, and surrounded with fruits and other stores of bless- 
ings, which I taste and enjoy daily, and which I distribute 
daily to minor spirits, waiting always for a kind benediction of 
help and hope. Tis the greatest joy I have — that of imparting 
to others the means of happiness in the celestial spheres. 

"Believe me, my kindred, my life is made up of the desire 
to do good deeds for my neighboring spirit friends. Not 
enough can I ever do to be satisfied. The more I can do, the 
more joyously calm I feel. Glorious place of perfect felicity ! 
I taste of thee with heavenly outpouring of thanks. May 
blessings from Heaven enlighten your minds and hearts, my 
beloved friends, to know the treasures of your home in Christ, 
/feel them, and there is much love sent you for these teachings 
in the second coming of Christ. None of them should be lost, 
but should be made to meet the demand for comprehension and 
good living. I feel the strength of what I say to you grow, as 
I repeat it ; and I trust it will lead you to higher motives of 
interest than merely geography, history, arithmetic, etc. — all 
good things in their particular ways ; but there is a greater 
work behind them, which should not be forgotten. But, I 
sadly say it, that is a science benighted or lost. However, I 
feel God's strength is upon the world ; and he will take pity 
upon men, and bring their minds into the united religion of 
brotherhood — call it Spiritualism, or universal salvation. 

• ' May the time prove near for the redemption, or, I should 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. Ill 

say, the relief, of men's souls ; for all are redeemed through 
God's Son, Christ, who answers for us in heaven, at the last. 
But he can never fill our places, nor grant us remission ; but 
each will receive his own damning qualities of flesh, or merit 
his great purification from sin's stain. 

" God bless you, my brothers in the flesh. May God show 
you a kind face, and lift you up beyond the requirement of 
pardon, or any infelicity. Amen. 

"As Christ liveth, so I live — the spirit of a humble poet and 
writer upon God's earth. Washington Irving, 

" A Philanthropist at large." 
COMMUNICATIOXS FROM PRINCE ALBERT. 

Prince Albert was called on the evening of the 26th 
of January, 1879. The medium described him as com- 
ing down from above, and in front of her — a tall, hand- 
some man, dressed in a black dress suit — moving very 
rapidly. The following was written : — 
" Prince in the earth ; 
Spirit in the heavens ; 
God is my love ; 
With God always near me. 

ct Thanks be to Him, from a bounteous expanse I come now, 
with rapture and endless song, as a symbol, to teach mankind 
the resurrection of the world, and the destiny of nations. 

"Beloved friends, and best loved subjects of the Kingdom of 
Christ, be very upright and kind in all your doings while in the 
flesh. Ambition should goad you on ; but it should be on and 
up — higher and higher, purer and freer — not cramped by preju- 
dice, or useless desires for mortal gain. The example of Christ 
will show you the true way of life. Do not deceive yourselves, 
one to another, that false were the prophets of old ; for God 
knows no age, neither does he count the sun's revolutions. 

"Greater love hath God, the Father, for you, dear mortal, 
than for many, many of his works of a different description. 
Noble are you : believe this, and feel it, making it so sure, that 
no barrier will conceal it from you, under its shadow. No flight 
of birds should be purer than the mortal soul in its flight to its 



112 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

home. I marvel and grieve that the weakness of men will let 
so many follies govern their lives. 

" From God do you grow into your final developments. Then 
why not begin here, and make them true to himself ? Look at 
the kings of Normandy and France, They were treacherous and 
wild. No incitement of truth was shown to them. They were 
mighty in life, but fallen in death. Sad, just kindred, to me it 
seems, a fallen monarch myself. Never greater purity could 
mortal reach than can the children of God who live upon the 
soil of freedom. Homage, dear patrons, is due from all, but to 
Him only who governeth all. Every one will taste the joys of 
His reign, and that in the time of His appointment, and with 
no ill gain. Each is responsible for his every action to God, 
and no man can assume to dictate to God's power. But see, 
and know, that I, a spirit, am where no effort is made to show 
me respect ; for all can see perfectly well, at a glance, or a 
thought, the adornment of grace the spirit has here. 

" I was a pacific prince ; thank God, I can say it 1 And to 
him I will give the homage due to the King of kings, through 
endless ages and devious wanderings. Press on. Go up, up, 
and meet us who await you. 

' ' Affectionately, your brother spirit, 

" Albert of England." 

Perhaps you would be pleased to address a few lines to your 
wife — the Queen. 

" Beautiful wife — a purer title than high-toned queen, — would 
that I could greet you as of yore ! But the river of life is short, 
and the boats of time are swift, to carry you far away, and near 
the shore on which stands your duteous consort, now a subject 
of heaven. Aim higher, blessed wife. (See, I love to repeat 
this term of private endearment ; although, coming through the 
public, you may, I fear, regard it as a desecration.) But no harm 
can befall you on earth, or in heaven, if you have gained the 
true power to bring joy to your home. I am near you, as near 
as ever, and watch and protect you by every means of strength 
and comfort I possess. 

"Bless God, Queen Victoria, your days are passing into the 
bright realms of joy and peace, there to accept the reign of love 
from God, our Father, and the giver of life. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. H3 

"Feel sympathy for me, who was born in sin, and pray for 
the people, that they may sing the hymn of praise — ' Glory to 
God on high, peace on earth, and good will toward men. 
Amen ! ' " 

We hope to be able to send these messages abroad. 

" Repeat, and spread them far and wide. This will, at least, 
open a free channel. I am so earnest to show to the world, 
God is love ! No bondage should exist on earth, while heaven 
is so free — purely free. Bless you, Albert." 

With the communication from this noble prince, this 
section of the work is closed. Apparently, it might 
have been prolonged indefinitely ; and the editor hopes 
to receive still other messages of love and truth from 
the " lost of earth," but found in heaven. 

Oh, what a revelation does this chapter of a most 
wonderful experience present ! All that the truly wise 
have spiritually seen, all that the good and pure have 
hoped for, when, rising above " sickening doubts " and 
often dark despair, they could see the truth mirrored in 
the innermost depths of their souls, is here shown as 
God's truth. For, from beyond death's bourn the trav- 
eler does return, and tell to listening humanity the won- 
drous story of his immortal destiny; so that the glori- 
ous words of our venerated bard depict to us no fig- 
ment of a heated imagination, when he says : — 
" In the room 
Of this grief -shadowed Present, there shall be 
A Present in whose reign no grief shall gnaw 
The heart, and never shall a tender tie 
Be broken ; — in whose reign the eternal change 
That waits on growth and action shall proceed 
With everlasting concord, hand in hand."* 

* W. C Bryant, The Flood of Years. 



114 SPIMITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 



V. 

SPIRITS IN" THE LOWER SPHERES. 

Their Sufferings, Repentance, and Conversion. 

" As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the 
death of the wicked ; but that the wicked turn from his way 
and live." — Ezekiel xxxiii. 11. 

"Christ also suffered for sins once; a just person for un- 
just persons, that he might bring us to God, being put to death 
in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit : in which he also went 
and preached unto the spirits in prison." — 1 Peter iii. 18, 19. 

Perhaps, the most remarkable phase of the experi- 
ences recorded in this book is that which refers to com- 
munications received from spirits of the lower grade, or 
gradf s, — sometimes called " unprogressed spirits." The 
revelation comprised in these communications presents, 
however, spirits in various states, or degrees of pro- 
gression, but all properly coming under the general 
designation of spirits in the loicer spheres, or suffering 
spirits. Probably, the diversities of character and con- 
dition among the spirits of the departed, like those of 
human nature on earth, are infinite ; so that it is impos- 
sible perfectly to classify the spirits, or discriminate the 
spheres in such a way as to show, in separate and dis- 
tinct categories, the exact characteristics of any consid- 
erable number of these " dark spirits." The editor does 
not feel inclined to theorize, but to narrate facts, from 
which the reader may draw his own conclusions. That 
the remarkable fact of spirit progression in the " dark 
world " may be clearly seen, as it has been shown in 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. H5 

these experiences, the communications from these spirits 
will be severally presented, but all in the order of 
time, so that the amelioration in the state of each may 
be understood, in connection with the other phenomena 
presented. 

I. 

Among the first communications written by the me- 
dium was, as already stated, the following : " Please 
pray for your many friends, who are suffering, gone 
away as your ." 

The first communication addressed to the editor, in 
response to the question, " Who is desirous of commu- 
nicating with me ? " was the following [May 18, 1878] : — 

" Spirit of " [naming a relative]. 

What is your condition ? 

" I am a very poor spirit, as I do not see the Lord." 

Why not? 

** I was too slow in good works." 

What do you desire f 

' ' Pray for me. Ask all my friends to pray for me ; for it 
makes me feel very much better." 

Subsequently, very many conversations were held 
with this spirit through the mediumship of the editor's 
little son.* A small portion of these colloquies is here 
given : — 

How long have you been in the spirit world ? 

* The sudden and startling development of this mediumship in the editor's 
family must strike even the casual reader as a most wonderful occurrence. 
In connection with all the facts that have been ^iven through these mediums, 
the editor cannot but believe that it was a dispensation of Providence to en- 
able him to present these facts concerning the future life— so momentous 
to mankind— to the world. Besides, by having these two excellent mediums 
always accessible, and beyond the slightest suspicion of collusion and im- 
posture (to which other and paid mediums are always subject), the editor 
has possessed a far better means of investigating this kind of spirit inter- 
course than has been permitted to most others. 



116 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

" Six or eight years." [Should have been about six and a half 
years.] 

Have you been suffering since then ? 

"Yes ; I have been sorrowing all the time, until I found a 
way to send you a message through your daughter and son." 

Would you like to send a message to your children f 

" Yes ; tell them to try to go to God in this world ; and tell 
them they will be much happier, if they do. O, beg them to do 
so for their father's sake ; for he has suffered enough, because 
he neglected his duties to God on earth."* 

Is it light or dark where you are ? 

" Quite dark, — with unhappiness. " 

How does our praying for you affect you ? 

" I become brighter and happier all the time." 

Did you ever communicate through any medium previous to 
these icritings ? 

"No." 

How did you know you could write through Emma ? 

" I heard from Mollie that she could make Emma write ; and 
she told me to try and communicate through her also." 

The above is but a very small part of many conversa- 
tions on successive days, continued for several weeks and 
referring to many topics, some of a private character. 
The responses were written by the hand of the child 
with wonderful facility and readiness. On one occa- 
sion it was asked : " How do you write through the 
medium ?" and the reply was, " By putting what I wish 
to say into his mind." On Sunday, June 9th, the fol- 
lowing was said in course of a brief colloquy : — 

Bo you know what day this is f 

"Yes ; the day of holy rest." 

* This person gave but little attention to religious matters during his life, 
being entirely engrossed in his business. His life was, as far as known, in- 
offensive, and characterized by faithfulness in his earthly duties ; he was 
punctiliously honest in his dealings with his fellow-men, and in his domestic 
relations above reproach ; but, alas ! he made no adequate preparation for 
that spiritual state of being which stretches out, eternally, beyond this mun- 
dane sphere. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. H7 

Do you rest on the Sabbath t 

" No ; we never tire." 

Are you sorry you did not keep the Sabbath more regularly 
when on earth ? 

"Yes; very sorry. If I had served God as faithfully as I 
performed my other duties, he would not leave me in this 
place." 

Do spirits feel pain ? 

"Yes ; spiritual pain, not bodily pain, but much worse." 

Do wicked spirits inflict pain upon each other? 

" Yes ; by teasing them." 

Have you suffered from this cause f 

"Yes ; they would follow me and mock me." 

Have they any control over you f 

* ' Yes ; to some extent — similar to what they have on earth, 
only more." 

Where are these 'very icicked spirits ? 

" All over, and in bad homes." 

Why don't they remain where they belong ? 

" They cannot stay there." 

Are spirits punished everlastingly? 

" Yes ; if they do not repent." 

What is Ml? 

"The worst of all troubles." 

Is it merely a state? 

" No ; I think those evil spirits are in the planets which can- 
not be seen by the eye of man, being too near the sun, — some 
so near as to be burned up." 

Can the evil spirits be burned so as to be annihilated ? 

" No; they are reserved for further spiritual life; for the 
spirits live on, only they suffer more."* 

Who are these evil spirits? 

" Wicked people whom the devil has conquered." 

Who is the devil ? 

" I don't know ; because I never saw him. Please do not ask 



* It must be borne in mind that this spirit is not an advanced one, and com- 
municates only as far as he knows. What he says is to be compared with the 
statements of higher spirits. His truthfulness, however, is unquestionable, 
as the editor believes. 



118 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

me such a question ; for it makes me feel very bad, since it 
seems to me that you think I am with the devil." 

I ask pardon ; we will speak of good spirits." 

On another occasion, this spirit was requested to send 
a message to a relative, who is not leading a good life, 
for the purpose of influencing him to reform. The boy 
medium wrote, under the spirit influence, for the space 
of nearly an hour, in awful silence, for the communica- 
tion was of the most startling character. A portion 
only is here given : — 

" Dear : Do try, for my sake, to be a better man ; for 

you are fast approaching death, and (I am sorry I must say 
it) Hell. Be better ; be better. Oh ! believe that it is your 

who is writing this message. In the name of the Father, 

Son, and Holy Ghost, I say, believe it is I, who say to you that 
you must be a better man ; for, if you are not, you will have to 
suffer all the torments of Hell. 

' : I write this message at the request of , who is a good 

woman, in the belief in God's merciful forgiveness ; and she 
desires that you should reform, so that instead of enduring the 
sufferings of hell, you may enjoy the happiness of heaven, 
where you can see Jesus, and not the devil. 

' ' O my dear , again I say, be better. / was wicked, and 

I have suffered much ; but I am afraid your sufferings will be 
greater. Indeed, I cannot tell you how intense your sufferings 
will be in this world of spirits, if you do not become better. 
Oh ! be a changed man, and repent of what you have done ! " 

The spirit then proceeded to enumerate with singu- 
lar precision all the circumstances under which the mes- 
sage was written, writing the full name of every one in 
the room. It was a most startling occurrence, for the 
slightest idea that such a piece of composition could 
have emanated, consciously or unconsciously, from any 
one present, would have been preposterous to the very 
last degree. No; it was a warning from the other 
world, not only for him to whom it was addressed, but 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. U9 

to all who are living in blind, foolish, and wicked forget- 
fulness of their destiny, either of happiness or misery, 
in the eternal world. 

Other communications from the same spirit will now 
be presented. These were written through the me- 
diumship of the editor's daughter. 

[July 5. J " , your sincere , from the throne of grace, 

comes to bless you. Many foolish sins I have had to regret ; 
but I feel they are vanishing from my sight, like dew, in the 
might of love. Many were my faults through blindness, which 
never can be your pardoning excuse, after these manifestations 

of God's love. Do not be weary, my dear, dear . I fondly 

see you are going on in God's appointed walk. Thank Heaven, 
you are saved from many sorrows I have felt. 

" Ever, sincerely, . " 

Again, after prayers had been offered for another suf- 
fering spirit, who had solicited them, the same spirit 
wrote as follows [July 7] : — 

" My dear , pray for us all. All are needy of help from 

God. At least I am, for my desires are not satisfied yet. I 
was a poor spirit : now I am a little higher than then ; but my 
hope is to see God as the angels see him. I feel my sins to be 
many ; but God is just and merciful, long suffering, and of great 
kindness. So all, I think, will be fulfilled to my heart's fondest 
wishes. My friends were not of my own choosing, for they 
were uncongenial ; but, thanks be to God Almighty ! I am re- 
leased from them, and I feel almost in heaven. Bless you all 
with heavenly goodness. I wish you heaven's happiness." 

On the 16th of July, the same spirit wrote in a more 
sorrowful tone : — 

" God bless your heart, my dear . Help me out of this 

darkness to the light of God's face. Help me to see that my 
sins in the flesh are all forgiven. My hope is in your kindness 
to show me the path out of here. Bless you forever ! May God 
make me to see his light, for my soul's blackness envelops me 
too thickly." 



120 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

The following prayer was then written by a higher 
spirit, in order to assist the suffering one : — 

"O merciful Father, show this spirit his fallen nature, and 
make him pure through the love of Christ, who shed his blood 
for all weak spirits. Look with pity upon him ! Behold his 
heart's repentance ! Thy love must sustain him through his 
trials and punishment. Lord, have mercy upon him." 

On the 18th of August, the medium, addressing the 

same spirit, said : u My dear , God bless you ! 

I hope you are advancing rapidly." To this the follow- 
ing response was written : — 

" O, yes ! I am quite contented with my state at present, but, 
of course, should like to reach a higher goal, if possible ; and 
must use my powers in a true direction, so as to obtain a better 
home for my soul. Seek ye the upper kingdoms ; then ye will 
not fail to be pleased with your heavenly condition." 

On the 31st of August, through the other medium, 
the following colloquy was held : — 

What is your condition now ? 
" Happier." 

What did you mean by saying your friends were not of your 
own choosing f 

** When I died, they chose me, not I them." 

You mean wicked spirits t 

"■ Yes, but I have tried better friends." 

All the communications from this spirit cannot be 
presented ; they are very numerous, and some refer to 
private matters. Only one other is here given, written 
through the child medium [Nov. 24, 1878] :— 

" is here, and greets you with a pure and heavenly 

heart, such as before I had not ; but by your aid, and that of my 
other friends, I am partly relieved from my terrible position." 

We hope you mill soon be entirely relieved. 

" Soon is not the word. I have not yet suffered the punish- 
ment for my evil doings in the world." 

How are you now occupied? 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 121 

"Helping-, and praying, by the will of God and through his 
word, for very wicked spirits here and in the flesh. This is 
helping me very much." 

Bo you see these very bad spirits ? 

" Not in my sphere, but in the spheres to which my Heavenly 
Father sends me, through Jesus Christ. I have progressed from 
the sphere of Saturn, which is one of the places for the doom of 
evil spirits " 

Tou mean you are acting by the direction of Christ ? 

" My Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, sends me to the 
worlds of doom. God's will is Christ's will." 

Is it bright where you are now ? 

" Yes, yes, to me ; but to the higher spirits it is as dark as a 
dungeon." 

How do you know it is so dark to the higher spirits ? 

" God's sphere is so bright, that no other light ever seemed 
so brilliant. That light, compared to the light where 1 am, is 
incomprehensible to beings on earth."* 

In the lower spheres, does it appear dark to the 'wicked spirits? 

" Yes, yes ; awful." 

Are there any spirits without hope ? 

" Only bad spirits." 

Will all be saved ? 

" Yes ; all will be brought to the light. If they cannot see it 
themselves, Christ will for them.f But not all so soon as I have 
been ; I feel I am a very privileged spirit. Oh ! oceans of love 
are in my heart for you all." 



* The following Scripture texts illustrate this remark: " Giving thanks 
unto the Father, which made us meet for the portion of the inheritance of the 
saints in light ; who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and trans- 
lated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love.' 1 — Colossians i. 12, 13. 

" The blessed and only Potentate, the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords ; 
Who only hath immortality, dwelling in light unapproachable." — 1 Timothy 
vi. 15, 16. 

" Who called you out of darkness to his marvelous 1 lL^lit."^ — 1 Peter ii. !). 

'■ God is light, and in him is no darkness at all — 1 John i. 5 

See also Revelation xxi. 11, 23 ; xxii. 5. 

+ " For even as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.' 1 
1 Cor. xv. 22. 



122 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 



II. 

Another series of communications will now be pre- 
sented, affording a similar example of suffering, as the 
consequence of a misspent life, but of a severer charac- 
ter and without the same degree of amelioration. This 
spirit was referred to in the first communications as one 
of those who "had gone away," and for whom prayers 
were asked. He was among the first to manifest him- 
self ; and, after his name was written, the following 
conversation took place [May, 1878] : — 

What do you wish to say ? 

" I am in trouble." 

Are you improving ? 

" I cannot. I am in great trouble ; so lielp me, as I am in the 
lowest way. I am very miserable. Do pray to God for me. 
He will certainly help my condition." 

Do you have hope ? 

" Hope is my heaven." 

Are you sorry you did not lead a more religious life in this 
world f 

"0, yes ; very sorry indeed." 

Have you any friends and companions t 

" Yes ; I have too many." 

Why too many f 

" Too many like myself. They are wicked in every way." 

What else do you desire to say ? 

" Please do not forget what I have told you. I am in great 
trouble." 

Anything else? 

" No ; that is all. God is good and merciful." 

This is but a part of the conversation, much of it 
referring to private matters connected with his family, 
and perfectly identifying the spirit. The person referred 
to had deceased about eleven years previously. The 
medium had never known him. The chief fault of his 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 123 

life was intemperance and its attendant misdoings. 
During the next two months, there were only occasional, 
and very brief, communications from this unhappy 
spirit, consisting chiefly of short ejaculations and peti- 
tions for prayers. Once another spirit wrote, interced- 
ing for him : — 

"Pray for Help him to God. Help him to see tliat 

his meanness of soul is from his wicked life of sin. O (rod, 
look, I beseech thee, on the sorrow of his heart." 

On the 28th of July, he communicated as follows : — 
" Help me. Hell is my home, but you are sending 1 me God's 
light. Pray for me, I beseech you, in the Father's holy and al- 
mighty name of love. Forever I will bless you, with such 
everlasting power that you will certainly feel its benefit — at least 
it seems so to me." [Prayer offered. 1 " Thank you all. You 
are the awakening of my soul from despair. How much I could 
tell you ! Oh ! Oh ! Keep the love of God in your hearts for- 
ever and ever. Amen ! Amen ! " 

On the 24th of August, the following was written by 
the same, in answer to an inquiry in regard to his pro- 
gress: — 

" I wish I was farther on ; but I thank GOD* that, through 
repentant suffering, I am no longer lost to Heaven's light. 
Heaven send you more aid to help the weak into true paths. 

This is the desire of your penitent ." 

Have the good spirits helped you? 
" Yes : all do well to me a sinner." 

With the exception of the writing of the name, and 
very brief supplications for aid, no message was received 
from this spirit until November 15th, when a commu- 
nication having been written by the spirit of the editor's 

* The writing of this spirit was rapid and emotional ; but he wrote the 
name of the Supreme Being with a slowness implying great reverence ; and 
not only that, but stopped and drew two parallel circles around it. This 
apparent reverence, or rather awe, felt by ilie darkest spirits towards their 
Heavenly Father, has been shown in many remarkable ways. This is a 
point of great interest and SUggestiveness, and will be referred to further on. 



124 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

daughter — apparently a guardian angel — -the question 
was asked, " Do you ever see — — - — -," which was an- 
swered as follows : — 

" Yes ; I wish he was not so forlorn a spirit. Why, oh ! why 
does he not try to rise to bright things ? We are never weary 
in seeking for him ; but he always feels afraid of us, and says : 
' No, no, no ; not yet can I leave my place ; and I am not to be 
sought for in these dark places. I will help myself, if God is 
willing.' He will come, if you wish it; and perhaps you 
can secure his thoughts for a good purpose. Sorry, SORRY, 
SORRY ! " 

Will you bring him, dear Mollie f 

[Change — heavy irregular letters.] " is here, in 

the hope of heaven." 

[One of those present (a relative) wept ; when it was written :] 
" — -, don't weep. You will make me wild ! " 

Do you advance toward a better state f 

" , as the tree falls, does it not lie ? After my past con- 
sumed years of anguish for you all, is it not RIGHT that J 
should suffer in my turn? When this spirit shall forget the 
past misfortunes in his earthly living, then he can ask of God 
what he may do for him ; but not while this feeling is upon 
me, could 1 supplicate Cod for a relief from sorrow. It is my 
own just, MERITED punishment ; and, O merciful and right- 
eous Father, I am happy in saying Amen ! " 

Do our prayers aid you t 

" Yes, if you are forgiving." 

Do you like to come to us ? 

" Yes ; Oh ! so much ! It is the comfort of a living death ! " 

Do you think you will soon become happier f 

" Yes ; please God, it will not be long before I shall have cast 
away my bondage to sin ; and, with hope as my leader, I shall 
soon be among the living." 

Do you desire to send any word to your relatives? 

" Tell them all to pray for me ; and God will never forsake 
them in their kindness and humility." 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 125 

III. 

The next illustration presented is a still more remark- 
able one. It is that of a very gifted man, who died in 
this city in 1869, with startling suddenness and under 
very painful circumstances. He had been exceedingly 
prominent in the political world, and had filled with 
distinction several positions of great dignity and re- 
sponsibility. In his special field of effort, he had but 
few superiors; and had his moral and spiritual culture 
been equal to his intellectual power, this painful narra- 
tive would never have been written. Acquainted per- 
sonally, but to a very limited extent, with the editor, and 
connected by marriage with his family, he early com- 
municated, writing his name without being called ; in- 
deed, when he was not in the thoughts of any one pres- 
ent. The first of these messages was written on the 
31st of May, as follows [the editor only being present 
with the medium] : — 

[Name written]. What do you wish to say ? 

" My dear Mr. Kiddle, I am glad to speak with you. You are 
well protected by teachers of God's heaven."* 

Who are they t 

" Those who are above you in the world of spirits." 

What is your condition ? 

"Not very happy." 

Do you still take an interest in the affairs of this icorld ? 

" Yes ; we are very anxious to help your high cause of educa- 
tion. " 

A few other questions were asked, and answered, as 
with an effort to discourage, on the editor's part, all fur- 
ther spiritual intercourse. This, however, as was after- 
ward clearly shown, was either through ignorance or 
■ insincerity. In the mean time, other dark spirits had 

* i hut is, by the good spirits surrounding us. 



126 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

communicated, sometimes railing, sometimes mocking, 
never, however, using any words bordering on profan- 
ity or blasphemy. This was repulsive and startling at 
first ; but the right manner to deal with these unpro- 
gressed spirits was soon made known to the medium 
and those with her. Thus, on such an occasion [July 
4], the following was written by the medium, from a 
well-known spirit, and addressed to herself: — 

"My dear Emma, I like to see you writing with God's angels 
of mercy ; but be careful not to favor too much some who come 
to offer you assistance, but with bad intent. You must say a 
prayer for them ; and then they will depart with God's com- 
mand. Never fear. All is well with your heart. Do not be 
discouraged. God is your helper." 

The course here indicated had already been, but was 
afterwards still more earnestly, carried out ; and the 
truth was illustrated that prayer is truly the great moral 
and spiritual force of the universe. The personality of 
God was never more effectually demonstrated than 
through this wonderful experience ; and the offering up 
of prayer to the Heavenly Father of all spirits truly 
brought his blessing and protection, enabled the good 
spirits to assist us, and effectually disarmed the malice 
of the evil ones. God is indeed the Monarch of the 
Universe; and those who love and reverence him, with 
perfect faith and trust, need fear nothing; for he can 
say with the Psalmist: "Though I walk through the 
valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil ; for 
thou art with me ; thy rod and thy staff they comfort 
me." 

" You do well," said a spirit friend, " to send for bless- 
ings to heaven's Father." " Never fear," said another ; 
"we are in strength to-night through your prayers." 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 127 

" Be firm believers," said another, " in God's strength, 
love, and mercy." 

Such was the beautiful lesson so impressively taught 
in this seemingly mysterious manner. No need, says 
the religionist, to go to the spirits to learn this, it hav- 
ing been so clearly taught by God's revelation through 
the Holy Scriptures. True, it is most plainly taught by 
them ; but is faith in and love toward God so strong or 
so common among the sons of men, that they cannot be 
benefited by more revelation from the All-Merciful 
One ? Consider: this truth is taught in the Psalms of 
David ; and yet Christ came to awaken men's minds to 
the glories of spiritual truth, and to give them the great 
law, " Thou shall love the Lord thy God with all thy 
heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." 

It was on a Sunday evening (July 7th), that the spirit 
of the person above referred to again communicated, 
writing as follows : — 

" H. R. would have your prayers for God's mercy. I am in 
trouble of mind which I hope to relieve. Please pray for my 
soul in God's high anger and punishment, for many misdeeds 
which I need not explain." 

We will all pray for you. 

" Thank you ! " 

Can you not pray yourself ? 

" I don't know how to pray now. ' God be merciful to me a 
sinner.' " 

You will feel God's mercy yet. 

" Might I hope so, I should be happy." 

Then was written from S. R., the sister-in-law of the 
repentant spirit — a lady of great purity and loveliness 
of character on*earth, whose spirit messages have been 
already referred to : — 

" My dear Henry, ever will I bless you. Help my brother to 
see his way to happiness and love. We all see but cannot assist 



128 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

him yet — not until his heart is feeling his wickedness, although 
our fondest desires are for his good. As yet, we have been pre- 
vented by his heaviness from helping him to heaven. Many are 
looking upon your work with hope for your soul's salvation and 
happiness to come. Blessed is he who helps the sick and needy; 
for he shall see God forever. Amen. Sarah, with her Father's 
blessing on your hearts. Amen ! Amen ! " 

From the same repentant spirit, July 9th : — 

' ' May God give me grace to ascend ! Lord, have mercy S 
May God send his blessing upon your heads ! Lord, have mer- 
cy upon me, a heavy sinner ! Look with compassion and love 
upon my sorrow ! " 

From the same, July 10th : — 

'■ Blood of Christ, make me pure. Repentance is my hope. I 
am better already. My many sins are all forgiven. H. R. is a 
better spirit. Thanks be to God for his goodness." 

Can you do good to others ? This will help you much. 

" I will try. I will bring a friend of mine with me the next 
time I come. You will be able to help him. Bless God, O my 
soul ! " 

On the next day, the dreadful contrition of this spirit 
in trouble appeared to be intensified, as he was com- 
pelled to review his past life. Earthly remorse brings 
indescribable anguish ; but oh ! what is it, what can it 
be, compared to the heart-rending sorrow of a spirit ? 
And yet, even to him, how true probably the lines of 
the poet : — 

" Blest tears of soul-felt penitence ! 
In whose benign, redeeming now, 
Is felt the first, the only sense 

Of guiltless joy that guilt can know." 

The following communication terribly illustrates this 
truth. May it be a lesson to all who read this book : — 

" Help me to pray, for God's sake ! God have mercy upon me 
a sinner ! The darkness of death surrounds me here in this 
world of sorrow. Much will I give, if you will help my path 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 129 

out of my prison. God bless you in the home above me. A 
thousand blessings on your souls, if God but hear my suppli- 
cations ! Why did I not hearken to the voice of love and kind- 
ness before my life was lost to earth's light ? Why did I not 
help my wife to see her glory better? Bless, God ! my chil- 
dren, and their children ! Remember not my sins. Help me to 
say : ' Thy will bo done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us 
this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts as we forgive 
our debtors. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from 
evil, for thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever 
and ever. Amen." " 

An account was then read of a spirit who had been 
greatly benefited by repentance, and an effort to do good 
to others ; to which the following response was writ- 
ten : — 

" Heaven help me to do as he did ! Help me to see the light. 
I am too black. I will do all I can to help others. May I 
bring another dark spirit with me when I come again?" 

He was told he could, and that all possible aid would 
be given him ; and then the spirit of S. R. wrote : — 

" Emma, do you not see God's angels helping you in your 
path? Be patient, and all will be well with your heart." 

The medium and her husband having learned the 
lesson as to the proper mode of assisting the spirits in 
trouble who manifested, applied it faithfully on eayh oc- 
casion that offered; and, en the 16th of July, after they 
had prayed for and with two spirits, who came soliciting 
prayers, the following encouraging communication was 
written : — 

"Happiness is awaiting your hearts. Give the troubled 
spirits more of your prayers. God send you glory to help his 
fallen creatures. May the love of God abound in your hearts 
always. We see your fears are not so much in the way. Pray 
that Heaven may send you what is necessary for the salvation 
of souls. May you persevere in God's calling. Never fear man 
nor devil. My God is your God to all eternity. Bless his holy 



130 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

name ! Forever will we bless your heavenly welfare for the 
good of mankind lost to the sense of goodness, which is the 
means of opening heaven. Edmonds." 

On the 18th of July, the spirit of the brilliant but 
misguided H. R. again communicated, saying to a lady 
relative present : — 

' ' My dear Mrs. — — , I am not happy. I threw my talents 
away. " 

Then continuing, he poured forth the following sor- 
rowful ejaculations : — ■ 

" Help me to pray ! I am a wicked spirit. God, look upon 
me in my affliction. Behold the sorrow of this wretched soul — 
in the darkness of purgatory. Have mercy — have mercy for the 
sorrow of my soul, languishing for the living God. O for a 
single moment of God's love, to let me see his face ! Help me 
on ! My God ! for the life of me, I cannot see my way. God is 
my father. Show pity, good Lord ! Thy servant seeks thee 
with love eternal. God the Father, God the Son, bless you for- 
ever ! " 
Did you know nothing of Spiritualism ichile on earth t 
"Alas ! yes ; but not soon enough to prevent my taking root 
in the soil of death. Bless you in God's name ! I am yours in 
death." 

Again, on the 20th of July, the following was writ- 
ten : — 

" My dear friends, help me to the salvation of my soul's hap- 
piness. Much I deplore my wickedness while in the flesh. 
Wherefore, O God, did I not see thy just goodness ere this sad 
calamity fell upon my mind ? Would to God I could be with you 
again ! Then I could show you that my everlasting punishment 
is all the result of a sinful life. Pray, see that this be not your 
lot when God shall call you home to himself, and you shall say, 
Alas ! that I cannot approach his seat of love ! " 

On the 22d of July, the editor was present, and offered 
a prayer, before any writing took place, in which the 
words occurred : — " Grant that all that may be said and 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 131 

done may be for the advancement of Thy everlasting 
kingdom." After its conclusion, the medium took the 
pencil, and wrote as follows from the same contrite 
spirit : — 

[Name written]. " Help me to tlie light of God's everlasting 
kingdom, for the love of God. I am your sincere friend, 

"H. R." 

" "Will you repeat a prayer that we offer ? " was asked. 
"Yes;" was the response. The following prayer was 
then dictated, the spirit writing it through the medium, 
and expressing, in the varied manner in which it was 
written the fearful emotions of his mind. The whole 
was executed with peculiar force and rapidity, particu- 
larly those w T ords that spoke of the sinner and his for- 
giveness ; while the name of God was written very 
slowly and evidently with great solemnity : — 

" O everlasting God, our Heavenly Father, look down upon us with com- 
passion, and bless this unhappy spirit with the light of thy forgiving smile- 
Assist him, O Father in Heaven, in his efforts to emerge from the darkness 
of sin, and grant that, through his sincere repentance, he may come to the 
light of thy infinite purity and goodness. O, lead him beside the still 
waters of thy merciful forgiveness, where he may cleanse his soul from the 
dark stains of sin, and proceed on the journey that leads at last to thee. O 
God, hear our prayer for mercy to his and our own transgressions. Cleanse 
the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, that we may 
perfectly love thee, and worthily magnify thy holy name, through Christ 
Jesus, our blessed Lord and Saviour. Amen. 1 '' 

At the close of this prayer, written out by the spirit, 

and then repeated by the editor, the medium wrote : — 
" Emma [the medium], I bless your father with Almighty. 

God's highest blessings. Sarah." [The spirit's sister-in-law, 

before referred to. ] 

After this, the repentant spirit again wrote, saying :— - 

" Oh ! the light of heaven is dawning ! Thank God ! " 

It was a most wonderful revelation, presenting in 

almost dramatic vividness the torment of the dark; 

spirit writhing in contrition, under the fearful, but 



132 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

chastening (not vindictive) punishment of the Merciful 
Father of Spirits, and the inexpressible relief afforded 
by sincere and fervent prayer. Since that memorable 
evening, the spirit of H. R. has gone on in his upward 
path toward the happy kingdom of the blessed Saviour. 
On the 24th of August, the question was asked of an- 
other spirit who was communicating, " What can you 
say of the present condition of H. R. ? " and the answer 
was, " He is among the progressing spirits of light." 
And, on the 15th of September, without any calling, the 
following was written, as one of a long series of com- 
munications, irom different spirits, only the editor of 
this work and the medium being present : — 

[Name written]. We are glad to greet you. 

" Bless you for that. I need much encouragement to come ; 
for my spirit is persecuted by long neglectful living from the 
light of heaven ; but, thanks be to my God, I am so much im- 
proved that I long for more encouragement to be upon my path, 
that I may remember that I am but a speck of cloud in the 
sight of my Redeemer. Be patient with me, and lead me with 
a strong power toward heaven's height. Live for your own sal- 
vation, and be not as dead men, who sleep in the darkness of 
despair, as I have done, heaping sorrows upon my head, that 
burst upon my soul without a moment's warning to caution me * 
It was a sleep that came, alas ! too late to prevent my long suf- 
fering on awakening. 

" Glad are all angels to know that you are with the pure in 
heart ; and they wish to perfect your souls for heavenly living. 
So ask of the Source of life what you will ; and, if God is 
satisfied, it will be given with love. 

' ' My dear Mr. Kiddle, I knew you ere this, but not in so weak 
a mortal frame of mind did I speak. Enlightenment cometh to 
all, both great and small ; but pray that your sins be blotted 
out, and prepare for that great day when God will be the judge 
of your living on earth. Nothing fear when he is your safe- 

* This truthfully indicates the manner in which he died. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 133 

guard ; and publish in loud tones that as Christ died and rose 
again, so shall all die and be made alive ; and we can and will 
come to help you on, without a moment's delay, when all is 
ready. Forever I send you pure greetings. H. R."'* 

The above communication was written in an unusual- 
ly small hand (for spirit writing), and with marvelous 
rapidity. At the sitting, the medium wrote, from eleven 
different spirits who communicated — most of them spon- 
taneously and unexpectedly — more than one hundred 
pages of manuscript; but, of course, much of the writ- 
ing was very large. Still, it was most wonderful; and 
as several had been the intimate personal friends of the 
editor, he recognized in the writings their special traits 
of character, as well as allusions to matters connected 
with his former earthly intercourse with them. Indeed, 
it was just as natural as if they had been sitting around 
the table talking to him, as of old, in the flesh, except 
that what was said related more exclusively to religious 

* It may be said here that the editor presents all these cases under consid- 
erable embarrassment ; for while he does not wish that this strange narra- 
tive should lose any of its vividness and force by the withholding of any im- 
portant fact, he feels restrained by a consideration as to what is due to the 
privacy of family affairs. Nor can he lay aside that singular respect which 
we all feel for the departed, whatever their earthly characters or actions 
might have been, and which universally prompts to an observance of the old 
maxim, " De morluis nil nisi bonvm" There can be no question, however, 
that t'.iose who, in the affliction of their penitence, are looking npon our 
earthly sphere, from the spirit world into which they have passed, and long- 
ing to do some good to atone for their past sins and past neglect, would pre- 
fer the motto, " Demortuis nil nisi vekum ; " and would rejoice that the les- 
sons taught by their earthly career, and the punishment which is its natural 
consequence, should be impressed upon the minds and hearts of their fellow- 
creatures in the earth sphere. Earthly fame or earthly discredit— the applause 
or the censure of mankind— is nothing to the mind of a spirit— soaring, or 
attempting to soar, toward those blessed regions where the Tru , the Good, and 
the Divine are the only objects of aspiration and heavenly contemplation. 
[Since this note was written the spirit has again communicated, and ex- 
pressed the desire that his name should be used. It is therefore given in 
connection with the subsequent communications.] 



134 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

or spiritual themes, Farther reference to this sitting 
will be made in a subsequent part of the work. (See 
page 205.) 

Another communication from this spirit was written 
on the 8th of December last ; and, in connection with 
this, the name is given according to the spirit's desire. 
It has been omitted for the reasons stated, in the pre- 
ceding pages, because they were written before this 
communication was received; and the editor desires to 
adhere strictly to the facts as presented. 

" Henry Raymond is present and overlooking your work 
with great satisfaction, and certainly with a great desire for good 
results. I am very tliankf ul to God that my life is as it is now. 
I have undergone the change from a state of despair to one of 
the brightest hope that can affect a man, in spirit or in the liesh. 
I am relieved of a load the weight of which seemed to bear me 
down to the darkest abyss of regret. I only longed to escape 
from my life's retrospect. I only wished that I had made my- 
self a proud example of my Maker's image, and had kept God 
in my heart, to show me the right and wrong of every action. 
Do, I beseech you, find out, before a day escapes you, that the 
love of God is all that you require to elevate your life to heav- 
en's height. It will give you the promptings to choose what 
is good, to be kind and courteous to every one, be he humble or 
proud, rich or poor ; for I find now that God has regard for the 
spirit's welfare, not for your earthly body. I am tasting of joys 
that I never knew upon earth, or hoped to find in heaven ; for I 
was a wretched man, to God and myself untrue. Believe me, I 
have suffered such a punishment, that I would have given my 
life to escape it ; but, alas ! I chose my own career and suffered 
therefrom. But I am not as before. I am now the purified, 
but not perfected, spirit of Henry J, Raymond, 

of the New York Times." 

The editor then held the following conversation with 
the spirit : — 

Bo you icish that I should publish your experience to tlte 
world ? 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 135 

'* Yes ; much good may it do them, for I hope to have them 
escape my punishment." 

Are you willing 1 should use your name? 

"Yes; I desire that you should use my name for any good 
purpose ; for I was not unknown in my life ; and by my example 
the world will be able to see that the follies they commit will 
result in the heaviest penalties of a life of vanity — sorrow and 
regret. " 

Has not your progress been unusually rapid? 

" Yes ; when the heart leaps or yearns for good, God is instan- 
taneous in his love and presence." 

A further communication was written by the same 
spirit, coming without a request, on the 8th of January 
ensuing. This is especially interesting, from the sum- 
mary he gives of the history recorded here, and from 
the important admonitions he presents : — 

" Henry Raymond. — By the permission of God's family 
bond, I come to throw an intensity of light upon this beautiful 
subject ; namely, ' the communion of spirits in the flesh with 
those abiding in space,' — glorious fact, beyond the comprehen- 
sion of mortal mind in its present condition of error, and in its 
ignominious living unto death ! Hearken, ye people — ye, who 
linger on the boundary of benighted kingdoms, give heed to 
this warning knowledge, lending to your souls a heavenly fore- 
thought, by the revelations of God's benign messengers of 
truth. Lost is the state of man, kind, dear Christian friends, 
through the misleading torchlight of a perverted revelation. 
Now is the time to bring your skepticism to a trial, by the test 
of these facts. Do not attempt to satisfy your tastes by making 
these revelations a subject of amusement, or by treating them 
with indifference. There is a mightier cord to draw you — the 
ambition to rise to those heights where the angels gather in the 
harvest of joy, through the will and pleadings of their blessed 
Saviour. To you it is given to enter the portals of salvation, 
and gaze upon the store of holy wonders, sacred inventions, all 
classified, and arranged in distinct portions of space, — and 
adapted in field, scope, and direction — to your several ambi- 
tions or yearnings. 



136 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

' ' I am Henry Raymond, of the New York Times. I once 
held the attention of many a heart in my attempts to portray 
public affairs ; and why can I not now instruct you with skill, 
or at least inform you of my experience, from which you may 
derive a blessing ? 

"It is a high privilege to come ; for, without this power, 
I should have been a lost sheep. I found favor through this 
heavenly source, for I was a misguided man. In my high dis- 
tinction only known, I was a villainous hypocrite in many ways, 
as others are, to my sorrow. But I have been judged and tried, 
and found guilty, and sentenced ; and that too after a verdict 
beyond any that could be pronounced at the world's dictation, 
and to a punishment more than in your thoughts you can con- 
ceive, and such as I pray you may never experience. But God 
is gracious, beyond expression ; and after a concentration of my 
hopes, I have been lifted higher and higher. First, I came in 
dark sin, then after being relieved through prayer, I was 
enabled to indulge in a faint hope, which soon sprung into 
abundant trust, and finally into fruitful thanksgiving. 

"Please accept my prayers and blessings. Let me beseech 
you to remember your dead daily, and thereby lift the wayward 
and fallen out of despair or sinful bondage. I, myself, dear 
friends of the public, am still in the '"press" of the United 
States of Christian America, binding myself to you as long as 
name and country require. Look beyond the clouds, and seek 
the truth. Henry J. Raymond, in bonds." 

IT. 
The next case to be presented is, in some respects, 
still more interesting. It is that of a relative — a young 
man of an exceedingly active, ardent nature, impatient 
under restraint, and prone to plunge into excess. Not 
criminal, but reckless — heedless of religious teaching, 
and living here without a thought of his God or his Sa- 
viour, he was indeed like the prodigal son of Christ's 
beautiful parable, In early manhood, he was suddenly- 
snatched by Divine Providence from his earthly career, 



SPIHITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 137 

and was mourned as the lost one from his Saviour's fold, 
until these remarkable writings commenced, when he 
was among the first to manifest himself, exhibiting the 
same reckless activity as had characterized him on 
earth. His name, being that of a near relative, at once 
attracted much attention from the medium and her hus- 
band, although it was coupled with such expressions as, 
" Go to the devil," " You are a fool ; " and conversa- 
tions and expostulations followed, by means of which 
he was finally induced to listen, and, it is presumed, feel 
that his condition was not entirely hopeless, — that God 
was even in the dark place* wherein he dwelt, and 
would forgive even so vile a prodigal as he.f Prayers 
were offered for him, and with him. He was induced 
to write them, day after day, by dictation of the medium 
and her husband ; and was told to exert himself in try- 
ing to help others to forsake their wicked life, and to 
rise to better and brighter things. The change was 
most wonderful and startling, as the series of communi- 
cations now to be presented will show. 

In the early part of July, nearly two months after 

* " If I make my bed in hell, behold, Thou art there. 1 '— Psalm cxxxix. 8. 

t " But wha.i he was yet a great way off", his father saw him, and had com- 
passion, and lan, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. ''—Luke xv. 20. Oh ! 
what infinite love is here displayed by the blessed Saviour as the attribute of 
" Our Father in Heaven 1 " and, O I what wretched blindness to limit that 
love— although acknowledged to be limitless— to the petty span of time com- 
prehended in the longest life of any human being on earth ! It has been 
well asked, "Why should repentance be efficacious onlj- during an earthly 
life-time, which is but an instant, and inefficacious throughout eternity ?" 
It has also been well said, " A religion which makes the doctrine of everlast- 
ing punishment its corner-stone— which declares its foundations to be under- 
mined, if it is deprived of its demons, its hell of fire and brimstone, and its 
pitiless God, is a religion which is committing suicide," and, it may be added, 
the teachers of such a pretended religion are making infidels and atheists, 
and incurring a penalty of sorrow which they will fully realize in their en- 
lightened consciences, when they pass to the just retributiou of their own 
acts. 



138 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

the first communication was received from this spirit, 
the following was written : — 

" Hear me. I am C. W. , your , who was, but 

is no longer, a devil. Thanks — everlasting thanks to you both ! 
I have fought the good fight, and the battle is won. Be kind to 
all who come for mercy. They are sent for a holy purpose to 
you, as well as for themselves." 

Who assisted youf 

" I was helped by your praying with me, and through heav- 
en's angels." 

Did you find benefit in aiding others ? 

"Yes ! Yes ! Yes ! That is my only salvation. I did not 
know it until you told me. Glorious ! 1 am victorious. Thank 
God. / do it every moment. Help others, and you will cer- 
tainly help yourselves. " 

What was your previous state ? 

"Poor ugly spirit, in the blackness of despair — almost hell." 

Can you describe your present home ? 

" No, no. I cannot explain it to my satisfaction ; but I am in 
a happy life, where God's light is thrown inexpressively serene 
— calm as heaven's lakes. Now I must away to help my 
friends see that ' God is love.' May God bless you both eter- 
nally. " 

A few days afterwards, the following was written : — 

" C. W., your , comes with love and grateful feeling to 

your hearts. Not well do I understand my Maker's kindness to 
me ; for my soul's great punishment was justly merited. Now, 
thanks be to God, I am only a sinner in remembrance of my sins. 
They are all forgiven. Happily, I can think of God and love 

and life, and rejoice with heavenly rejoicing. My dear , 

be faithful in your calling in the earth life, and much will be 
added to your heart's joy. 0, let me tell you some of my ex- 
perience in the life beyond your own. I was a sinner whom God 
disdained to hear, or to give to him a calling. At first I was too 
weak to repent ; but now do I see the way given for my re- 
demption. How to thank your hearts for your kindness I can- 
not tell ; but, believe me, I will await your coming with heav- 






SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 139 

enly impatience, to give you my greeting of rapture, too deep 
to explain to your understanding." 

As illustrative of the fact that the higher spirits were 
watching the efforts of the medium and those with her, 
to aid the repentant spirits who were struggling 
toward the light, the following communication is here 
presented : — 

" We bless you in your work of light to the dark, dark world. 
We wish you all God speed ; for many are in sad need of some- 
thing to arouse their despondent hearts to the love of God in 
heaven." 

The following was written (July 15th) from C. W., 
addressed to one of his brothers : — 

" C. W., your brother in God's world above you. — My dear 
brother, heaven is your home. Do, for the love of God, change 
your condemnable notions about your coming life. I will ever 
pray for your heavenly benefit. Much do you need some pow- 
erful light thrown on your path, to show you where your mind 
is in the wrong. Alas ! that I cannot give you more evidence 
of my spiritual presence to help you on the road to life ever- 
lasting. I bless your soul with almighty love. Emma [the 
medium] is my helper to mansions higher than I can ever hope 
for. I was a foolish and wicked man to throw away my many 
passports, and lead a life that could not help my soul to its glory. 
I have paid for my past transgressions with sorrowful regrets. 
My dear brother, pray be advised while yet there is time, and 
all heaven will rejoice to greet your entrance. C. W." 

A short time afterward, the following was written by 
the same spirit to another brother : — 

"To my brother : — Will you hearken to your brother's 

voice of calling from the depths of heavenly love to your heart ? 
Be the fervent boy you always were. From the home of the 
Lord, I see you need awakening to the love of God, through the 
tribulations of the body, which are sent for your highest edifi- 
cation. If you but see the light of God's ways, he will lead you 
where heavenly pastures grow, and still waters are washing. 
" Hear the words of your brother Charles, who sees that the life 



140 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

lie led was but as a flight of birds through the waters of sin. 
He is no longer the Charles of the flesh ; nor would I be for all 
the kingdoms of the earth. Have you the light through the 
medium of God's grace and love? Have you the sorrow of a 
sinner lost to his Maker above ? Alas ! I see you are only 
weak — weak, indeed, in thanksgiving for the many benefits al 
lotted to your earthly career ; but, praise be to the God of 
Israel, I will hope and pray for the dawn of Heaven's morning 
sun to lead you to homes where there will be little else to seek 
except your fellow-beings' good and comfort. Forever graco 
your home, dear brother, with Christian feelings so pure that 
the stains of earth's soil cannot mar or efface them ; and, lastly, 
for the present, be patient in good works ; they are your heav- 
enly passports. Your brother in the love of God." 

In the latter part of August, the following was ad- 
dressed by the same spirit to others of his relations : — 

" My dear , I see that you are not believers. Do hearken ! 

Oh ! believe, believe, my dear . Alas for me ! I wish I 

could express to you my intense desires to send you greetings 
from heaven to earth. I am a poor spirit in God's sight, God 
knows ; but I have experienced many sorrows for my youth's 
neglect. Alas ! I was too foolish in my desires for my heart's 
satisfaction. But all is over ; and gained is the victory over my 
sins and follies, thanks be to God and Jesus Christ ! Amen." 

On the 29th of September, the editor with some 
others being present, the same spirit was called, and 
wrote as follows : — 

" Dear and esteemed friends, I have never intruded my pres- 
ence upon you while yet the impression of dislike toward mo 
was thought to exist in your minds. No longer will you feel 
this. I have secured for myself a proper station to see my way, 
and hope ere long to find a good and quiet home for my soul's 
rejoicing. I mean that I have high and bright longings to reach 
a purity beyond your conception. As yet 1 am a feeble mani- 
kin, compared to the bright and holy spirits, who 1 see are 
above me in living. But I am also a persevering and engineer- 
ing spirit, not a lazy spirit, who feels no onward striving, but 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 141 

growls, and in his unhappy state TORMENTS THE LIVING. 
Yes ; I was FALSELY accused. I did not intend insult. For- 
give is our motto, and I hope it will be yours for me. Believe 
me, I was impatient to secure me a place in heaven, and not 
willing to stay, and be persecuted by DEVILS. I am in your 
debt, and will never forget. Then deserve not the foolish call- 
ing of a hypocrite, but seek all the happiness that I see is in 
store for you some short time ahead. I intend that you shall 
never hear from me, unless at your positive wish and calling, 
when I will ever send you all heavenly and spiritual aid in my 
power. May you ever feel that the love of God is your holy 
living ; and see, too, that spirits can acutely and painfully for- 
give and forget." 

This communication is a peculiar one, and demands 
an explanation. The remarks in regard to an " impres- 
sion of dislike " in our minds toward him, and that he 
was " falsely accused," also that u spirits can forgive 
and forget," have reference to circumstances connected 
with his first manifestations, which were repulsive, as 
they indicated a fallen nature. When words expressive 
of depravity or ill-will were written, ostensibly by this 
spirit, in the presence of the editor, the, in he name of 
God, commanded the spirit to depart ; as he did also 
subsequently when what purported to be the same spirit 
wrote similar words through the mediumship of his son. 
This was one of the shadows of the experience recorded 
in this work ; for it occasioned at first far from pleas- 
urable emotions in the mind of the editor to be made 
so strikingly conscious of the presence of an evil dis- 
posed spirit. It was, however, but transient ; as like a 
flash of light, the spirit of the editor's daughter, becom- 
ing apparently aware, in an instant, of the trouble of his 
mind, immediately manifested her presence, writing in 
soft and expressive characters : — 

" Father, I am with you now." 



142 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS 

On his addressing a question to her, however, the 
spirit of his brother wrote : — 

' ' Mollie has gone. She came for a moment to drive C. W. 
away. He is angry at you because you bade him leave you a 
few evenings ago." 

Now, as this was written through the boy medium; and 
the incident of sending the spirit away was unknown to 
him, it having occurred at the residence of the editor's 
daughter, the circumstance was an indirect or inciden- 
tal confirmation of the reality of the spirit intercourse, 
as well as a remarkable identification of the spirits com- 
municating. To those who, even in the face of much 
light to the contrary, assert that all the phenomena con- 
nected with spirit intercourse are due to the interven- 
tion of demons,* the words, "Accursed spirit, depart 
from us," may seem the most appropriate to use on 
such occasions ; but experience in this intercourse leads 
to a very different feeling and practice. For it is discov- 
ered that all are the children of one loving Father, and as 
even these dark spirits are objects of his regard and 
mercy, they should be also of ours, as far as we can 
benefit them. And, as far as any fear is concerned, 

* Among these is to be placed, it would seem, the Rev. Frederick George 
Lee, the author of Glimpses of the Superna'ural (London 1875). This writer is 
so blinded by religious prejudice and bigotry, that, although his book really 
contains much that no such theory can explain, he asserts that all the phe- 
nomena of spiritualism are due to the intervention of demons, with the design 
to overturn Christianity. The communications recorded in this book cer- 
tainly are very much opposed to that theory ; unless it be held, with this 
divine, that Christianity consists not in what Christ taught, but what the so- 
called Christian church has formulated in dogmas and creeds. Certainly, 
those who experiment in table-tipping, spirit-rapping, and similar mechani- 
cal performances, will often find themselves imposed upon by undeveloped 
spirits ; as there is but little means of identifying the spirits communicating. 
Of course, a devil can tip the table as well as an angel ; but did he commu- 
nicate in writing he would not be likely to talk like an angel. Moreover, the 
names of God and Christ cannot be profaned by the devils, for they " believe 
and tremble." 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 143 

what occasion is there for such a feeling,, when a prayer- 
ful trust in God ever brings his almighty protection ? 

But the spirit referred to had changed ; yet he had 
not forgotten the occurrence which had caused, for the 
time, a feeling of displeasure toward him; and, more- 
over, he indicated in the above communication that other 
wicked spirits, as doubtless they are wont to do, had 
falsely personated him in their desire for mischief. 

On the 20th of October, while holding a brief conver- 
sation with this spirit, the editor took occasion to dis- 
claim any unkindness toward him in sending him away 
on the occasion referred to, when it was written : — 

l* You did right [with great force]. You were right in send- 
ing me away. I deserved it. If I had been good, I should not 
have Lean told to leave. I get excited very easily. That was 
my CHARACTER." 

Further communications have been received from 
this converted spirit, addressed to his relatives, some 
very beautiful and expressive, but all showing that the 
prodigal, having returned to his Father's house, has been 
blest with his forgiveness and undying love ; and that 
all he needs to complete his happiness is further purifi- 
cation and an oblivion of his transgressions ; for although 
he feels the blessed influence of the Saviour's atonins: 
sacrifice, time alone can entirely obliterate, even with 
God's grace and love, the dark imprints of sin in the 
soul. Other messages from C. W. are given further on. 

V. 
Additional experiences, of a more miscellaneous char- 
acter, will now be presented. And here it is proper to 
say that the sittings have been quite varied. Some- 
times an advanced spirit, such as that of Shakespeare, 
would retain control of the medium during an entire 



144 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

evening; at others, the unprogressed spirits would seem 
to prevail, and come struggling to obtain the control of 
the medium in order to manifest their presence, but 
nearly always soliciting prayers. Thus, on the 21st of 
July, various spirits manifested, writing with great 
force, in large uncouth characters, " Help ! " u Help 
me ! " " Help me to pray ! " Then prayers were offered 
for them ; and passages of Scripture, principally from 
the Psalms, were dictated, and written by the spirits. 
Then it would be written, "Bless you!" " Bless you 
forever ! " &c, &g. On one occasion, the medium was 
struggling under a powerful influence, which was en- 
deavoring to write, but making only large grotesque 
characters, and the editor was looking on, watching 
with painful interest the result, when he saw written in 
soft regular characters, " Bless me again " ; and the me- 
dium remarked, "I said mentally, God bless you ! " 

Such experiences were far from pleasant, the dark 
spirits appearing to bring a peculiarly depressive in- 
fluence. On one such occasion (July 21), the following 
was written : — 

" Talk to your enemies [the dark spirits] with tlie purpose of 
God's will. Befriend them by your prayers. Look well to your 
steadfastness of heart for good, and all evil will flee to the devil. 
Emma [the medium], you are working for your Maker's glory. 
Have patience in your trials ; they are for the test of your 
father's [the editor's] purpose. He is too easily affected by the 
evil surroundings. Alas ! it is a pity that God's power should 
not avail him in the darkness. Beware of Satan's influences ; 
they are ruinous to your soul's salvation. I say, in God's name, 
beware of false prophets ; they are not from God, nor of him. 
Then trust your Father of light ; and such light will be thrown 
upon you, that the devil will flee to his cave of sin in the twink- 
ling of an eye. Thanks be to God for ever and ever. Amen. 

"Judge Edmonds." 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 145 

And here it is proper to explain how, in the ignor- 
ance of inexperience, we had permitted, or enabled, the 
dark spirits to obtain control of our movements, dispos- 
sessing for a time, apparently, our good spirit friends. 

In July, a sad casualty had occurred in a family resid- 
ing in the immediate vicinity of the editor's residence, 
by which a beloved daughter had suddenly disappeared, 
her fate, whether of suicide or abduction, being un- 
known, and thus rendering the case more distressing to 
her relatives. The editor and his family were eye wit- 
nesses, as it were, to the heart-rending sorrow of the aged 
parents, suffering from an anxiety as to the fate of their 
daughter worse than the certain knowledge of her 
death. 

It being thought that some information of the case 
could be obtained by consulting the spirits, the attempt 
was made, and communications were obtained appar- 
ently giving reliable details ; but all were afterward 
found to be false. After the true state of the case was 
ascertained, as it was in a short time, the mind of the 
editor was greatly perplexed; and he was strongly dis- 
posed to abandon the whole matter, as involving great 
danger from the want of means to identify the spirits 
communicating. But the clouds were soon dispelled, 
and the sun of truth shone forth with renewed brilliancy. 
A few incidents of this episode, unpleasant indeed, but 
still useful for the experience it conferred, are here 
given. After the whole fabric of falsehood had fallen, 
the lying spirit, who, by the foolish attempt on our part, 
to pervert the use of spirit intercourse to an object con- 
nected with this world's affairs, had been enabled to 
get control of the mediums, wrote : — 

"Ha! Ha ! Ha ! What big fools ! " 



146 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

Who is here ? 

"Jam." 

Who are you f 

" None of your business." 

What is your name t 

" Patsy." 

Wliat did you come here for ? 

"For fun." 

Some other remarks were made and responded to in 
a similar way, when five good spirit friends wrote their 
names, and said : 

" We have driven him away." 

Who was it f 

"A devil." 

Subsequently the spirit of the editor's daughter 
wrote : — 

" Mollie says you must be careful not to believe all they may 
tell you about your world ; for God does not allow his creatures 
of mercy to communicate except for righteous purposes. Such 
terrible calamities are best known of God. We do not see them 
as they are." 

The spirit of the editor's brother then wrote : — 

" I am here, Henry. Do not fear. God is just to all." 

Who icrote those false statements 1 

" Don't ask me. A devil." 

Could you not keep him away? 

"No ; I could not prevent it. You should never ask any- 
thing about your world's affairs, of which we know nothing, or 
very little." 

Why did he come ? 

"For fun ; to deceive you. He had been here before." 

Can you tell us how to detect an evil spirit ? 

"You can always tell an evil spirit by what he says. Such 
spirits always say a few plausible things in order to deceive ; 
but all that proceeds from a good spirit is pure and good." 

But, at the sitting a few hours afterward, the dark 
spirits still seemed to be in force ; and the editor em- 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 147 

ployed the test prescribed in the Scriptures (1 John iv. 
2) : — 'Herein know ye the spirit of God : Every spirit 
that confesseth Jesus Christ come in the flesh is of God ; 
and every spirit that confesseth not Jesus, is not of God." 
Accordingly, it was said by him : — " We will hold no 
communication with any spirit unless he write, ' I believe 
in Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Is any spirit here 
who will write that ? *' It was answered, " No." But 
in a few moments the evil influence was gone ; and the 
spirit of the editor's daughter wrote : — 

" Mollie believes in Jesus Christ, the Son of God." 

Then a communication from our spirit friend, Judge 
Edmonds, was written : — ■ 

" Judge Edmonds believes in God Almighty, the Father 
of all mankind. Do not talk to those evil spirits, who are 
haunting your hearts. They delight in their tortures. Better 
not feel with them in any way. Ever trust God. Pray for his 
help, and he will send his heavenly protection. I am much 
afraid you do not trust God enough for your purposes on high. 

"But have patience. Heaven will send you what you are 
asking for, if your hearts are sincerely in the right paths of love 
to God. Be good Christians in every sense. Be good to one an- 
other. Have faith in the better world that awaits your coming 
with happiness. Heaven is your home forever. 

"Judge Edmonds, the believer in Spiritualism forever." 

On the 18th of September, the same dark spirit 
(probably with a band of others) that had done the mis- 
chief referred to, manifested himself through the child 
medium, coming as a disturbing influence. The follow- 
ing was then written : — 

" I wish to write." 

Who are you f 

" Do you not remember Patsy? " 

Do you wish any thing? 

"Yes ; do you not remember how you helped me?" [Refer 
ring to prayers offered for and with him. J 



148 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

If you desire help, we will try to give it to you ; if not, in the 
name of God, we bid you depart. 

" Well, I will tell you the truth. I am annoyed myself ; and 
I came to annoy you — -to frighten you. I 'have comrades with 
me." 

You cannot frighten us. So be gone. 

" Well, I will go — but to be here again." 

And with this, the influence entirely ceased. A day 
or two afterward, the same spirit again came ; and the 
editor conversed with him through his son. A part of 
the conversation is here given : — 

What kind of a spirit are you t 

"Very bad." 

Can you not pray to God to make you better f 

" Do you want me to pray ? If you do, say so. " 

Yes ; we do. 

" All right. I can say a prayer which was taught me." 

Please write the prayer. 

" beautiful Father, be merciful unto me, a sinner. I am 
wicked, and I have been wicked in the past. Deal not with me 
as I deserve, God, but help me to a better land. Lead me 
on and on, Lord, to the land of spirits good and blessed. 
Amen ! " 

Then a short prayer was dictated, which the spirit 
wrote seemingly with great reverence. Then it was 
asked : — 

Bo you not feel better? 

' ' Yes and no. Wait ; I am too bad yet. " 

Will you not strive to be better t 

" Yes, if I can." 

Since that evening, this spirit has never manifested. 
Other communications will now be given, to illustrate 
the condition of repentant spirits of various grades. 

(i.) From to his sisters. [Aug. 11th, 1878.] 

"My dear sisters, you must bless me with your heavenly 
prayers. Heaven is my long desired home ; but I am a bad 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 149 

spirit toward my Father's compassionate goodness. Alas ! I see 
that the devil was the object of my past desires, in my clinging 
to the sins of the flesh ; but not such would I continue to be. 
God is my second sight in the love of my heart. I fear him, and 
would seek him in the majesty of his being. Have the love of 
God always with you, and the devil cannot assail you an inch of 
your life. 

" I am afraid that you will not comprehend my meaning when 
I say I am in hell. I mean I am suffering for my past neglect 
of my Saviour's bleeding. I did not hearken to his voice of love, 
calling me from my foolish • sins to the hope of salvation 
through his suffering endurance. Seek first the Kingdom of 
Heaven. All else will be added to you for your heart's com- 
fort. From your fondly loving brother, W. L. B." 

(ii.) From W. P. to his brother. [Oct. 8th, 1878.] 

"Go to the Scriptures, brother, and find that the soul dies 
NEVER." 

Will you write further? 

" O, yes. I am not as happy as I could wish." 

Why? 

"REGRETS." 

Will you advise your brother ? 

"Yes, yes. Of all things do good and believe in God's love, 
and in eternity." [After a pause.] "I am writing to all." 
[Then to his brother. J " You are hesitating when the truth is 
before you." 

Can you show your brother that it in really you who are writing ? 

" How can I prove to him that I am as near to him now as I 
could ever be in the flesh ? But, O dear brother, I am better 
able to understand that the time of living is short compared to 
the everlasting duration of God's world" above you in LIGHT. 
Bright are the heavens with beautiful glory, and I can see and 
feel this, and yet I am not happy ; not through God's unkind- 
ness, but through my sinful neglect of every duty that might 
have brought me nearer to Him, for his love is beyond the 
knowledge of YOU." 

Will you speak to ? 

"Oh ! I wish I could ; but now my powers are not strong 



150 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

enough to impress upon her heart my painful presence. I 
should be blest, if she and my wife would listen to the old man 
who used to laugh and talk nonsense to you all. I am the same, 
or should be, but I am not so light of heart as I could wish. 
But I hope that I shall get on ; and perhaps you may be here 
to help me, and also yourself ; for you will need some, I fear ; 
as you, as well as myself, are in blindness of living. This is a 
holy chance. Embrace it with rapture, for it is your future liv- 
ing ; and dying is only a new beginning of a happy life, if you 
wish it, as I do for every SOUL. Forever your brother in the 
spirit. Amen. " 

This communication was recognized by the relatives 
of the spirit, who were present, as being quite charac- 
teristic of his manner and disposition when on earth, as 
well as of his writing, which was very rapid. The 
whole message was written with peculiar force. The 
faults of this person on earth were simply neglect of his 
God ; in other respects, his life seemed to be blameless. 
The mere performance of earthly duties cannot, how- 
ever, bring spiritual culture; and, to the translated 
spirit, nothing else appears to be of any value. The 
word REGRETS suggestively expresses the feeling of 
a spirit when looking back, with his comprehensive 
glance and strengthened memory, he sees only sacred 
duties neglected, and a wasted life. 

(in.) The next is a peculiar case, as the communi- 
cations will show ; and it may be premised that all the 
circumstances referred to corresponded to the facts of 
the person's life and the condition of his family. His 
death occurred in the spring of 1878 ; and in July, at 
one of the sittings, his name was written with great dif- 
ficulty, with the expression, "I am in hell. Help me ! " 
It was not, however, until the latter part of October 
that, at the request of a friend, a communication was 
sought from him, when the following was written : — 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 151 

" I am W , I hope you will see that I am W . Believe 

me, I am very anxious to come. [Pause.] Have patience, 
for I am weak. E. C. [another medium] tells the truth ; for I 

am a spirit who knows the life after death. I am W , the 

confectioner. My store in was my death blow. Oh ! I 

was a very wicked man to fool with my store of money.* But 
the devil was at my right hand, and I took him, to my everlast- 
ing regret ; or, as you know it, eternal damnation. I thought 
to see my wife in the last of earth's light ; but I could not bear 
to grieve her so by my wrong doing. Now it makes no differ- 
ence ; and I may come to you, and speak the truth of my foolish 
aiming. 

" I do not see God; for I am not a Christ- like spirit, for I 
did not know that the soul is the immortal spirit of man. But 
never fear, dear wife and blessed children, God will never per- 
mit you to lose a foot-hold in heaven ; at least, my prayers will 
ever attend you upon your life, and God is ever ready to hear 
the faintest sigh of penitence. Goodness is God, and God is 

goodness. I am W , the husband and father of a happy 

family on earth, and never more to see them except in spirit. 
When the time comes, then we will thank God for it, and not 
be ashamed to show our feelings of relief. My dear friend, I 
thank you for this opportunity, and hope you will never forsake 
my wife and children in your kindness toward them. God 
never forgets ; and a spirit has also a memory strong as life. 
Bless the medium, and thank God ! W , the Baker." 

On the 3d of November, in the presence of his wife 
and daughter, the following messages were written : — 

" I am W. W. Oh ! Oh ! Joy ! I have come to you, my dear 
wife For God's sake be faithful to my memory, for my soul 
regrets. My dearest wife, how can I find words to express to 
you my feelings ? Do not be dissatisfied. Will not God give us 
his unbounded pleasure in all things ? Feel not that I am to 
blame. Although foolish, I did not intend wickedly ; but, that 

* He had speculated unwisely, and lost his savings, thus leaving his family 
in considerable embarrassment. All the circumstances referred to, though 
unknown to the medium writing, corresponded to the facts. lie was not a 
religious man in life. 



152 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

you may comprehend, I will say that my dealings with the out- 
side world have brought me to destruction. But God has given 
me the power to come to your heart again ; and I will avail my- 
self of the sacred opportunity ; and I will atone for my past 
wrong-doing with the perseverance of my eternal living for 
your good. Be persuaded that 1 am looking upon every action ; 
you are a noble woman in the sight of God ; nay, as far as I can 
see, you are perfection. 

" My dear daughter, in love I look upon you, and hope that 
you will ever hold in remembrance your loving father. This is 
the only wish I indulge in for myself ; but for yourselves be 
faithful unto God. Never care what the world may bestow 
upon you. There is a home where we will all. be together ; 
and your father in the midst will say as formerly, Heaven bless 
you. Do not be despondent, clear off the debts, and press the 
people to a settlement, and then commence anew with a future 
so bright as to make you free. Your life now is only a tempo- 
rary one, So farewell ! Ever your loving husband and affec- 
tionate father. I am W. W. , the Captain. " 

The words " the captain " were evidently added for 
identification ; as neither the medium nor others present 
except his relatives, knew that he had been a sea cap- 
tain in a former part of his life. Other communications 
were written by the spirit at this time, but presenting 
only similar thoughts and a similar condition of miud. 

On the 17th of November, the following was written, 
none of the spirit's relatives being present : — 

" I am W. W. I wish to speak, if you are willing ; for my 
heart is broken with contrite sighs, and supplications to God, 
my Heavenly Redeemer. Belong I to Him ? " 

We are willing to hate you come, and loill help you all ice can. 
" My God ! how I need pure comfort from a living source ! 
How my soul is overcome with madness of thought, overcloud- 
ing my perceptions, and mingling my past experiences, so that 
my mind has no hold upon my whereabouts or reality ! But, 
please God, I am homeward bound, and toward the opposite sta- 
tion. I hope to secure myself a rest for my weary feet, that go 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 153 

searching for a circle where the boundaries of death will have no 
hold upon my feelings. But will the Avenger need my prayers 
still, or will He clasp me in the arms of His benefaction, with 
enticing cries of pleasure? Assure me, dear friends, that my 
life is not fixed ; and, believe me, I will never forget that you 
are the kindest friends I have met upon my wearisome journey. 
With warm respect, I am W. W., in trouble." 

The spirit was told that we believed his life was not 
fixed, but that the way to salvation was open to him by 
his efforts. Do you not find a satisfaction and relief in 
earnest prayer to God ? was asked. 

" Yes, when I can settle my mind enough to give thought to 
my feelings. You are kind to open to me a path upward, and 
I will bless you, when my blessings may avail your hearts." 

On the 30th of November, the same spirit, coming 
spontaneously, wrote as follows : — 

"W. W. I am, as I was on earth. my God, pardon my 
misdeeds, and deliver my soul ! Alas ! I have so much to think 
of!" 

Can you repeat the Lord's Prayer f 

" Yes." 

Other prayers offered for the spirit ; and then the 
medium's spirit sister wrote : — 

4< Mollie is here also ; do not fear ; all is well." 

Can you do anything for this unhappy spirit ? 

" Mollie does not succeed in finding a home for him, because 
he is in the river of despair, and knows no bright hope to lead 
him up, up ! Perhaps, with patience and prayer to God, his 
vision will be opened, and will extend itself to higher things. 
In all this, do we help one another to rise to a better condition." 

Will you try to help Mr. W. ? 

" Mollie is ever moving along the paths which lead to happi- 
ness. Trust me to do all that a spirit may do, if an opportunity 
is given." 

Then again addressing the spirit, it was said : — " Wo 
will help you as far as we can.'' 

" Y"es ; I am in misery. May God, the Spirit, bless you ! 



154 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

Alas [that my days should come to this ! I was not a sinless 
man, but I am among such horrible spirits, that my disgust 
is unbounded." 

Then one of the spirits who had been formerly as- 
sisted (indicated in the preceding pages by C. W.) 
manifested, and wrote the following : — 

"C. W. is near you. I am in the leadership of a good band 
of spirits. I feel it now, and bless you for your intercession in 
my behalf. Oh ! may God give me strength to proceed without 
failing ! " 

Will you try to aid this unhappy spirit ? 

" Yes, most willingly. — Hearken, my dear spirit in trouble. 
I was the blackest one in the dungeon of despair myself, and 
understand your case to perfection ; but the Almighty and 
Merciful Sovereign has deliverance sent, and I am once more a 
free man in glory ; and I bless the means of upward training." 

No further communication has been received from 
this spirit ; but, doubtless, he has made progress, and 
passed to better and brighter conditions. 

(iv.) From a repentant spirit to his son on earth : — 

" God ! for the sake of a father's sorrow, allow my spirit to 
accost my son in the light of Truth. 

"My dear son, seek first to know the truth by the practice of a 
repentant life ; and be a good, kind, and loving man. I am the 
spirit (now mind you well), the spirit of your father, who did not 
live with the family on earth. Oh ! I beg you to take me at my 
own word, for I am a spirit in the solemn ordeal of a life of 
punishment meted out to me by a kind Father toward a way- 
ward child. I never had so much patience with my own chil- 
dren. God ! that I might undo the past ! ! My dear wife is 
past to her doom, and has left me far behind, by my mischances, 
and neglect of improvement in God's ways." 

(v.) The next series of communications afford fur- 
ther illustrations of the " dark world " and its inhabit- 
ants. They were written in the presence of the editor 
of this work, no one being present except the lady to 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 155 

whom they were chiefly addressed [herself a medium 
for spirit writing], and his own little son — the medium 
previously referred to. The first was written by the 
lady herself. She had previously, when writing, been 
constantly interrupted by her deceased husband— a very 
dark spirit ; but after a brief prayer by the editor, she 
wrote without the least interruption the following : — 

'• I ain jour mother. You are in a great danger of mind, my 
dear child, from the influence of Edward, and you must not let 
him come to you. He is a dark spirit, and I have nothing to do 
with him." 

Then the child medium took the pencil, and the editor 
said : — a Will E. W. write a message to her daughter 
through this medium ? The answer was as follows : — 
" E. W. is here, and will write at any request, a message for 
any one whom she may aid, in anyway, in spirit or body. Your 
loving and everlasting mother, E. W." 

Please write a message to your daughter, 
" Oh ! Oh ! my dear daughter, why do you not travel faster, 
as you have the chance, in the way toward the KINGDOM 
where God lives with his glorious angels all around, doing his 
will without even a frown ; for there is where life, in love, 
purity, and charity, is everlasting. If ever you reach that 
kingdom, Oh ! no being can imagine the state of mind you 
will be in while looking down, down into the almost eternal 
HELL ; for so it seems to those who are its inhabitants. Try 
not to make a misstep ; for, if you do, oh ! what will be your 
doom ! Then the devil will grasp you, and you may fall into 
what seems to be hell, for it is a place in which are all kinds 
of tortures, tormenting all the time ; and all the passions that 
exist; in your world are there. The devil is such a being, that 
it makes one shudder at the hearing (let alone the sight) of him, 
with his talons ready to grasp any wanderer from the Master, as 
the wolf does, when a little lamb wanders away from the flock 
and the shepherd, by whom he will be kept forever, if he re- 
mains with him. Your loving mother, E. W." 
What is the danger which you apprehend from her husband f 



15G SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

' ' The danger is that the BAND in which her husband is may 
be allowed to surround her. There is the danger, for she may 
be GRASPED by that fearful being the devil, with his dreadful 
talons/' 

Can you advise your daughter F 

" Oh ! the advice required is far beyond what can be given by 
such a spirit as i"am ; for / am not as far advanced as some who 
can advise." 

Should she not have recourse to prayer? 

" Always." 

Does her husband desire to injure her ? 

" No, no ; not as I know. But what does the devil, care fcr 
any soul who, he finds, will do him service ? " 

Does her husband improve ? 

" He would if he would leave his. comrades with whom he is 
surrounded." 

Are you in a happy state? 

" Yes, quite, I am glad to say ; for if I were not, I would not 
write a message showing what I have suffered to get higher. 
It [the suffering] is like that of a man who tries to get through 
a mob, that surround and tease him ; but finally he reaches a 
place of safety." 

Are any of your dear relatives with you ? 

" No, no ; I died in many more sins than they." 

Why are you interrupted by E. L. when you are writing 
through your daughter ? 

" Has one good spirit as much influence as a thousand devils, 
who surround this world ? Answer, No, no, no. For wherever 
an opening or passage is made, in rush as many as can, unless 
it is guarded by others [the good spirits]." 

THE DARK WORLD. 

As described by the spirit of Judge Edmonds. 
On the 1st of December, the editor received a very- 
interesting communication, through the mediumship of 
his daughter, from Judge Edmonds. This will be in- 
serted in another part of the volume. In the conversa- 
tion with the spirit, which ensued, the editor said : — 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 157 

"I am now about to write the chapter of the book, 
which relates to the dark spirits. Can you give me any 
additional information on the subject?" The answer 
was as follows : — 

' ' -I feel disquiet when I consider the dark regions and unblest 
spirits ; so much so that I could weep forever at the thought of 
them. Such is their misery that the angels must sigh in their 
efforts to reach their agony — not agony of the body — there is 
no body as you understand it ; but, O God ! what is more in- 
tense than heart-rending sorrow for what cannot be cured for 
eternity, for so it seems to those who are in this state ; and the 
holy spirits are always trying to help them out of their despon- 
dency and evil associations. But they seldom hearken at once, 
and so the time goes on ; and these souls cry out with more im- 
patience for an end to their sufferings. But to whom do they 
appeal ? I am with, horror obliged to say, the devil ; for did they 
not choose him to live by ? Did not every act appeal to him 
upon earth ? Were they charitable to any soul upon earth ? 
No ; neither is their friend, the devil, charitable to them ; and 
he, in the matter of heartless companions, will further you with 
no help except revenge toward all. Oh ! fondly I am gazing 
into your hearts in hope that you will escape such talons. 
Yield not to temptation — not even in one small instance ; for the 
result will be your loss, whereas it should be the brightest gain. 

" Return, and hearken, ye deluded men ; live in the light 
from God, and follow goodness and charity ; and He who is mer- 
ciful and kind will give you the brightest happiness and the 
most peaceful quiet. Amen. Forever your friend in anxiety 
for you, Judge Edmonds." 

/ understand Jioic repentant spirits can suffer ; but what is the 
suffering of unrepentant spirits? 

" That no mortal can conceive ; for they are, in the greatest 
horror, transfixed with pain." 

Bo you find the descriptions of the fallen spirits in the sec- 
ond volume of your work on Spiritualism correct? 

"Yes ; very much to the point, except that I can realize that 
the light from God is ever near, if they did but know and choose 
it themselves." 



158 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

St. Peter said: "Christ went and 'preached unto the spin's 
in prison ." How do you explain that? 

"Yes; Christ is tlie heavenly light that dawns upon them 
now ; for he has left his heavenly rays around their beings for- 
ever, and with love. " 

Are these dark spirits confined to any particular place? 

"No ; they are wandering, and never quiet."* 

On the 18th of December, Judge Edmonds wrote, 
through the boy medium : — 

' ' The matter which you spoke of some few days ago about 
the dark spirits, can be further explained, I think, by reference 
to one of the chapters of my book. Compare its statements 
with other spirits' communications, and combine the ideas. You 
will thus be able to describe the nature of these spirits, "f 

The descriptions given in the communications and rev- 
elations contained in Judge Edmonds's work are very 
vivid and affecting ; and to these the editor refers the 
reader, not wishing to present here more than has been 
received under his own immediate observation. 



* How closely this corresponds to the account in Christ's words on earth I 
"When the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, it goeth through dry 
places, seeking rest ; and finding none, it saith," etc. — Luke xi. 24. 

t Since writing the above, the editor has read [Dec. 28] " The Clock Struck 
One,'" by Rev. Samuel Watson, an exceedingly instructive and deeply inter- 
esting work, written upon a Christian and Scriptural basis. The following 
communication (one of several) received evidently from an advanced spirit- 
ual intelligence is here given on account of its correspondence to what is 
presented in the text : — '"We, who have passed through the torment and 
agony of the second sphere, return to you that you may shun it. Ah, man ! 
the deepest midnight darkness of earth is broad, beautiful sunlight in com- 
parison to that. Then not only the darkness without, but the deep darkness 
within the soul— not one ray of light, hope gone, what is the poor, lost spirit 
to do ? He sees a light, he hears earth voices. Swift, as on the lightning's 
flash, does he speed to that little ray. Tis around a circle of the children of 
earth. Why do they gather around that table ? Why do they listen with 
such deep anxiety to each little rap ? Joy, joy, 'tis a spirit that speaks to 
them ! Then thinks this dark spirit, lo, there is a world of spirits above me. 
How can I gain that upper land ? Is it dark there too ? Hark, that bright 
spirit says there is no night there,— all is joy and peace. Yes, I will listen, I 
will learn ; and so they do " 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 159 

THE DARK WORLD DESCRIBED BY EDGAR A. POE. 

Further illustration is afforded in one of the most 
powerful communications obtained during the remark- 
able experience here recorded. It is from the spirit of 
the gifted but erring Edgar A. Poe, who, in answer 
to a call, wrote the following wonderful composition, 
worthy to be compared, in power of thought, imagery, 
and style, with any of his writings while in the flesh : — 

" Edgar Poe, your friend by a call. What I am I never 
WAS. No, I am not in blindness, nor drunkenness, nor wicked- 
ness, nor mortal COIL. I now am a spirit given, through God's 
kind grace, to good works. For a thousand years, or eternities, 
as it seemed, I was with the blackest of spirit companions, as 
where else could I find rest or sympathy. Did I not seek this 
as my goal ? Alas ! too well I followed my desires and passions, 
led on, no doubt, by the passions of a devilish spirit, which the 
grace of God did not dispossess me of, and I did not ask. O 
false position ! I did not understand my Creator's humble mercy 
toward his children. No kind spirit offered to lorite through my 
hand. But I think, many a dark spirit had my brain in his 
power — yea, the power of the demons of HELL. Blest and feel- 
ing friends, I will anticipate your wants, and offer you my ex- 
perience in my life from sin. 

" My dear friends, I am Edgar Poe. Do you not remember 
the man who wrote the Tales of Woe ? Too w r ell I feel that I 
was groping for a good life, but the dangers that beset me 
thwarted any promptings that came for good ; and when death 
announced that my life of follies was done, God ! I shall never 
forget the heart- felt remorse that stopped or choked my spirit 
out of its happiness. On earth I was a drunken and benighted 
sot — lost to many loves, lost to much good, given to many temp- 
tations, and feeling no insight into my future victory or destruc- 
tion. Alas ! I now can vividly depict my first entrance into 
eternal life ! It brings me right upon a thousand ills that have 
caused me the stings of a myriad of horrors. One does not re- 
alize the enormity of his crime when the tide is upon him, nor 
when the crime is present, for the moment ; nor when he makes 



160 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

his life a fortress of crime. But when the light of day has 
past away forever, then does he seek relief when there is no 
one near to hear. My God ! I felt as in a desert of black de- 
spair — or among a set of ravenous wolves, ready to devour me 
with hate, or laugh me down to perdition. My God ! did J de- 
serve such a meeting? Alas ! I can hut say that God is just, 
and I am what I made myself, except that he never forsook mc in 
all my wickedness, nor pointed me to my hateful life. His spirit- 
it was that has lifted me up, up, up. My heavenly Father has 
shown me his tender mercies, and I have reached a goal of bliss 
that I never deserved ; but in the Book of Life it is written that 
it is the wandering sheep that needs the shepherd ; and so with 
more care, through all my trials and wretchedness, he has found 
me, and led me with great patience to himself. And I will ask 
all weak and erring people of God's creation to give up RUM, 
to chase away the devil, to flee all temptations, and to follow 
God. Then you will never reap the sorrows of the wild and 
weak Edgar Poe." 

Certain parts of this remarkable communication were 
written evidently with great emotion. In the opening 
sentences, the words was and coil [Shakespeare's phrase, 
— " mortal coil "] were so heavily and forcibly under- 
lined, that the paper was cat through by the pencil, to 
the depth of several sheets ; so also the word rum was 
written with peculiar force. There are many phrases 
in this message that are very suggestive ; as " desert of 
black despair," and " set of ravenous wolves " ; while 
" devour me with hale, and laugh me down to perdi- 
tion," brings vividly to the imagination the howlings 
and jeerings of the black demons of hell surrounding 
this unfortunate spirit, whose sins on earth had sunk him 
to the level of such associates. What a fearful lesson ! 
What a tremendous warning ! On the other hand, what 
a beautiful illustration of the boundless mercy of 
the all-loving God, whose kindness reaches to the 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 161 

depths of hell, while ruling over the blessed saints in 
heaven ! * 

On the 11th of February, a communication addressed 
to Mr. Louis F. Weismann, by his spirit brother, C. A- 
W., was brought to a close with the following words : — 

"Hear, my dear brother, the words of a familiar spirit — 
namely, Edgar Poe. " 

Then the following was written : — 

' ' Brothers in the Christian faith, seeing that one communi- 
cation has proved acceptable, I will intrude, and come without 
a call, to remove any wrong feeling in your minds, of fear or 
dislike, toward myself. No mortal needed to quake and trem- 
ble more than I, a benighted sot — a disgusting animal, groveling 
and grasping, and collecting more filth in my body than my 
just inheritance. How I have tried to wash the stains of lepro- 
sy from my garments ! But they will not disappear. There 
they stay ; and there they seem to be fixed forever. 

" But, glory to God in the highest ! I feel well, and am 
with righteousness now, serving the precious Saviour's Father, 
God. No more disgust for me ; no more corruptions, except 
the shadows that are always with me. You would say, ' What 
a beautiful spirit ! ' But you would not trust me yet. No ; there 
is a something around me that still indicates a want of purity, 
for which I beseech my Father to look upon me with pity — 
to give me another vesture which will show to others that I 
will do them no harm, thus giving an inspiration of confidence. 
Escaped from this, I should open the doors of harmony and 
love to as many as possible ; and the Lord would help me to re- 
ceive them well. 

"Seek, my dear friends, to know yourselves ; prosper your- 
selves for God's religion ; and intercede for your fellow-men at 
the mighty and worthy seat of mercy. 

" May you remember Edgar Poe, the man who was a foe (to 
GOD). Many thanks ! Worthy the Lamb ! The Lord forgive ! 
Find God forever ! " 

* See, in this connection, the remarkable poetical communications from the 
spirit of Lord Byron, especially that descriptive of the dark spirits and their 
home and mode of conversion, on page 93. 



162 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

FROM THE SEERESS OF PREVORST. 

The following, though from a progressed spirit, are 
presented here, as bearing upon this branch of the sub- 
ject. These were written on the 3d of August last, by 
the spirit of Madame Hauffe, called, during the latter 
part of her life, the Seeress of Prevorst, from her gifts 
of spirit clairvoyance, &c, caused by a sickness which 
seemed to disturb the normal relations of the soul and 
body, and, while producing great suffering and distress, 
enabled the patient to see around her the spirits of th« 
departed.* She was a cousin of L. F. Weismann ; and 
hence the following communications, which were writ- 
ten without a call. 

On the evening of the day above-mentioned, after 
various spirit messages had been written, it was said : 
" Are there any other spirits desiring to communicate 
with us ? " It was then written : — 

" Louis, I am your father's cousin, and your second cousin. " — ■ 
" Louis, see that I am your cousin, the Seeress of Prevorst." 

Please write us an instructive message. 

" Certainly. Hell is the only place to see tlie devil ; for the 
love of your God is so immense, that he cannot permit of dark- 
ness unless you are a terribly vicious person in mind and body ; 
but that you will reap your reward, for good or evil, that I can 
fully show you, I hope, from God's own sayings, and by the 
light of heaven's laws. Fear the devil, and all his abominable 
works. What can he not do, — what can he not perform, with 
the permission of yourselves? I beseech you, do not let the 
devil approach you in thought, word, or deed. Help all to the 
light of heaven." - 

Can you give any further instruction t 

" Help me by your prayers for the dead." 



*An account of this strange case was written by Justinus Kerner, Mad 
Hauffe's physician, and published after her death in 1829. This book was 
translated into English by Mrs. Crowe. Mad. Hauffe was born in 1801. 






SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 1G3 

The following prayer was then offered : — 

" O God, most kind and merciful Father, who art always ready to forgive Thy 
creatures, look down with pity, we beseech thee, upon those unhappy spirits, 
who are striving to come nearer to Thee, and lift them up to the life and 
happiness of a better and brighter sphere of being 

" Let Thy Spirit of love- love boundless as Thy universe, — work upon their 
minds, and diffuse itself through their whole being. They cannot be happy 
till Thou smile upon them, and lead them into the path from which they have 
gone astray. Forgive their sins. Pardon their neglect of Thee, and teach 
them how to come to Thee, and feel that Thou art the gracious Father of 
spirits— ever ready to pardon and lift up the sinner. 

" And, O most merciful Being, pardon too our own manifold sins and trans- 
gressions, and teach us how to love and serve thee as the Father of us all. 
Let Thy blessing be upon us, and upon all Thy creatures in distress and dark- 
ness, and briDg them to the light. 

" Grant, O most merciful Father, that we may so use the opportunities of 
this life, that we too come not to the state of fallen spirits ; but that, when 
we pass from this transitory and imperfect state of being, we may enter into 
our rest, to begin with bright hopes the journey that leads at last to Thee. 

" Grant this, O Father, for the sake of Thy Blessed Son, our Saviour and 
Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Amen.' 1 

At the close, it was written : — 

* * That is well. Praise is always acceptable in the sight of 
God. Look to the poor in spirit. They need leading, aiding, 
and benediction. Forget not yourselves in helping others. To 
whom much (light) is given, from them much will be required. 
For the salvation of my soul's glory, I wish that I might have 
seen my God's paths before I died. Then what a heavenly home 
I might have secured for myself ; but trust God for all. He 
will certainly never forsake you in the trial of the end. Don't 
be the slow children of wrath ; for the face of Jesus needs 
must smile to show its heavenly hues, to the best advantage ! 
Such smiles you do not know. Then do not grieve so patient a 
Master. He is sorry for every look of sinful intent, but glories 
in your victories. For the love of God, seek heaven. 

" Hauffe." 

Other communications have been written by this spirit, 
which will be referred to hereafter. 

MISCELLANEOUS COMMUNICATIONS FROM CONVERTED 
SPIRITS. 

This subject will be further illustrated by a few com- 



164 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

munications from converted spirits, not, however, de- 
scriptive of the state of retributive punishment for a 
sinful life, but giving further illustrations of the feelings 
of those spirits, who, after having passed through their 
trials and sufferings, and gained a settled state of bliss- 
ful being, still look back, with awful shuddering, upon 
their sojourn among the dark spirits, and their dreadful 
abode, from the thought of which they turn away 
to thank and praise their merciful Creator, who has res- 
cued them, and who blesses them with his infinite love in 
the happy abode of purified spirits. 

l. The first are from a spirit who has endured much 
suffering, but has now reached a sphere of comparative 
blessedness and purity. These messages contain much 
that is suggestive of the condition of this class of spirits. 
The spirit from whom they come passed away from 
earth about seventeen years ago. 

[Name written.] " Hear, my dear . I am your 

in the home beyond you. Blessed, my dear, are your heavenly 
feelings for heaven's long forgotten dead in their disloyalty to 

their Sovereign, the King of mankind the world over. 

is my fond son by the will of his Maker. Help him still in his 
path of cheerful duty. Lead him heavenward with a strong and 
firm hand. I was a poor father in the measure of my earthly 
treatment to him ; but at last 1 can see my mistake. Would I 
had the knowledge he has, and had the experience which has 
taught me this fact, too late, alas ! too late, to save my soul's 
damnation. God is a merciful judge, and much have I been 
forgiven through my being so foolishly blind to the Lord's 
power. For the love of God, do let me tell you that I am not 
a fallen spirit, but am looked at by the pure in heaven ; for my 
light was sent through my heartfelt sorrow and repentance for 
sin. So while there is life, let us not neglect, but only see to 
the truth of God's word, in the hope of everlasting life to come, 
such as you know not of. 

" My dearest wish is that you may not fall though mischance 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS, 165 

or error. — Blindness of heart will lead you out of God's reach.. 

horrible thought ! to lose his love beyond recalling ! Lose not 
a moment. You know not the time or the hour when the Lord 
may come to his people. No, not a sign shall fail. Sun and 
moon shall give way before the Lord may slake his vengeance. 
Oh ! be hasty to teach, slow to anger, for the power of the 
Lord is not without avail. Mercy, long-suffering, and great and 
almighty kindness are his heavenly-working powers. Oh ! how 
much I could tell you of his salvation ; but Satan is at work. 
The devil is the root of all evil. Be fervent in your zeal." 

Will you send a further message, to your son f 

« H , my dear son, in God's holy name I come, with 

blessings too boundless to measure. For the love of God, the 
Almighty Father of your mind's high intellect, press on in the 
cause of right and truth. Lead us not into temptation must be 
your heavenly cry to the Lord ; and then, with God's mighty 
influence at work, with the help of Emma's [the medium] mind, 
you will be of great service in the world's slow redemption. 
How much I could say you will never know, beyond the feeling 
of satisfaction which God sends to his creatures when their duty 
has been fulfilled on earth. To whom much has been given, &c, 
&c. — forget not that. Your home is eternal happiness or destruc- 
tion. How few do see that their life is either good or evil — few, 
indeed, until their bed is made in the soil of the devil's creation. 

1 bless you in the name of the Father, Son. and Holy Ghost, the 
sanctifier of the faithful. Amen." 

On the 22d of July, this spirit again wrote, at the re- 
quest of his son, who was present, as follows : — 

[Name written.] " Heaven is our home from sin's release to 

God's high home of love. Do your Maker's will, my dear -, 

and no foe of earth or sky can ever disturb your soul's immortal 
happiness. Nothing could I wish for more than that you would 
oiler your heart's sacrifice for the good of your fallen race. 
Alas ! that I could not have seen to this ere now. How MUCH 
God only knows 1 might have saved my soul's torment. But the 
love of God passeth your understanding, else would I tell you 
more of my inner longings for your edification. Keep on as you 
are now doing, and you will save your soul alive. 



166 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

' ' My dear Emma, believe me and all your heavenly friends, 
much lasting addresses do not come to every one. So feel your 
high responsibility, and let the light be known abroad. 

" Bless you all in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy 
Ghost, your immortal Comforter. Amen." 

Again, on the 15th of November, the same spirit, in 
answer to a call, came and wrote the following message, 
describing with great accuracy the last few years of his 
life, during which, and especially toward the end of his 
earthly sojourn, he suffered much from illness. The 
person whom he addresses in this communication is a 
relative, with whom he resided, and whose kind treat- 
ment of him he still, after the lapse of more than seven- 
teen years, vividly remembers, and with feelings of grat- 
itude, giving an additional illustration of the fact that 
"a spirit never forgets." 

[Name written.] "Oh ! , do you think the spirit of an 

old man is dead ? Do you suppose that he can forget ? Do you 
think that I shall forget all your kindness toward me, who 
needed so much help, and who, indeed, was an untimely burden 
upon the earth, but especially in your care for me ? I remember, 

, EVERYTHING. Not a day would pass but you would 

say, ' Father, I hope you are better. Can we not help you to 
bed ? Can we not ease your pain ?' Much I have had to regret, 
but never a word can escape me now but gratitude ; for my mis- 
deeds were many — many, although not criminal. I only wish I 
could tell you how happy it makes me to come and tell you these 
things of the past, and also the true and happy present. We 
are not to die, but only sleep ourselves away into an existence 
of hope ; and the transition is more in its seeming than in reality. 
I am with the spirits who, having gone astray, are waiting for 
their Shepherd to seek them in the noonday of their living. So 
no wonder that we are striving to be good, and to bring our ac- 
tions to the light of earth, where we may perhaps find a little 
soil to fertilize the uneven ground of ages. But I must go to 
the fireside of peace, and I will await you in God's time and for 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 167 

God's trust. I will never weary you ; so now farewell ; and 

good night, dear — and happy children. (Signed) . " 

Other communications of the most convincing char- 
acter have also been written from this spirit by the edi- 
tor's son. 

II. The spirit of E. B. came without a call, apparently 
brought by the intense anxiety of a mother to warn a 
beloved daughter upon earth against the sin of thought- 
less vanity. Several messages were written before 
these here presented. [Aug. 3, 1878.] 

" E. B. — Heaven help my daughter. I see she is blind to her 
follies. Help her to the light of them. Tell her that she will 
have to endure what her mother and sister are seeking to pre- 
vent, and what they, alas ! have gone through with — the sorrow 
of a fallen spirit." 

The spirit was then told that previous messages had 
been forwarded ; but that her daughter's husband had 
expressed anger, saying that the daughter on earth 
needed no admonition, being a much better woman than 
either her mother or her sister. The following was then 
written : — 

" Yes ; perhaps he is right." 

Sorrow loas expressed for his blindness. 

" Never be discouraged. Heaven will open the eyes of the 
blind, I hope, before it is too late to save a great many tribula- 
tions. How I have suffered I cannot tell you ; but it is the will 
of God that all who lead a life of sin on earth should see their 
sin and repent before they enter the light of his presence su- 
preme. By that presence I mean the region of his love, which 
you will not understand unless his presence be given to you 
through continual and sincere prayer. O ! be good people, I 
beseech you, with the perpetual mission of God's love to teach, 
where you run, all that the HOLY spirits may bring to your inner 
sight. What a privilege it is, / see. Would you might ap- 
preciate, and live up to, the precepts of your heavenly teachers. 
Oh ! then what joy will be yours forever and ever ! Amen " 



168 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

What is your present state or sphere f " 
" I am a good spirit, but not a perfect one by any means. I 
am trying to improve, for tlie sake of my God, who is the beau- 
tiful spirit of the universe. I, alas ! cannot approach the place 
of his love, for the darkness of my soul is not yet dispelled by 
suffering for its tardy goodness of living. Heaven preserve 
you from all harm here, and on earth, while you live. 

" Don't be discouraged. God will give you his aid. I thank 
you for your very kind efforts for my daughter's welfare. I 
think it may prove a benefit. For the good of all souls, I will 
say : Serve God by doing as well as the angels looking upon 
you would deserve for the love of God, their Saviour Behold 
the Saviour, bleeding by the side of the thieves, for the love of 
God, his Sanctifier. Believe the Scriptures were written through 
inspiration, not by prophecy. Look at the soul's rising from the 
dead. Was it not for the better enabling of man's progression ? 
Throw the sense of Spiritualism upon its surface. All you will 
need will be perseverance in your study, and true living as the 
result. — I see I am wearying, so I will say, good night ! By 
my long dissertation, perhaps, I may help my onward progress ; 
for by this, perhaps, ONE soul my learn its walking." 

in. The next communication, written December 18, 
through the boy medium, is interesting as presenting a 
further illustration of the fact of spirit progression, after 
the death of the body. It is from Henry C.Watson, well 
known in the musical world, for his profound knowledge 
of the art ; also as the editor for many years of the 
"Art Journal." It is addressed to his sister, who was 
present when it was written. 

The spirit of the editor's daughter Mary, apparently 
a guardian spirit, had written ; when it was said, Mrs. 
L. desires to hear from her brother, H. C. W. ; can you 
call him ? The response was : — 

" Yes, yes ; for I hope he may be found in the regions of 
progressed spirits, as I think he was a good man on earth. I 
think I can bring him. Wait a short time, as there are no 
minutes or hours here." 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 169 

[Change of control — different kind of writing.] " I am your 
loving brother, brought to you by a very good spirit, named 
M. K. I am Henry Watson in spirit." 

" Oh ! my dear, dear sister, I am in a good place for departed 
spirits ; and all here is love and peace. I hope that, when the 
death of the body takes you from your fearful world, you will 
make still more rapid progress than I have, since my departure 
from earth ; for you are a privileged person, by the will of Grod. 
I was merely an individual, no more in my own estimation than 
any other person ; and I knew nothing, or had not a warning 
of the calamity (as people call it) of death ; which finally over- 
comes everybody " 

The control suddenly ceased ; and then it was writ- 
ten : — 

" Mollie says there is a doubt, which has broken the commu- 
nication. He will write again if there is no doubt ; because, 
as your brother [the editor's] said, a doubt breaks the communi- 
cation." 

[Control resumed by H. W.] " but is rather a bless- 
ing than what I have said above [calamity]. Is it not written 
that, when people have the understanding, and do not use it, 
they are worse than those that have no understanding to see 
and feel these things ? Oh ! if I could have understood what 
death, or the future life, is, when I was alive in your world, I 
think I could have done some good service to GOD, as well as 
to the world, which is not enlightened as to heavenly things 
enough. I am, and always was, in peace and love with all. 

"H. C, W." 

The interruption that occurred in this communication, 
besides affording indirectly and incidentally additional 
evidence of the fact that the thoughts written are not 
emanations from the medium's mind, is suggestive in 
other respects. Doubt or disbelief exerts a peculiarly 
repelling influence upon the good spirits ; not that it 
offoids, for such spirits do not take offense; but it 
weakens or destroys their control, in a manner beyond 
our conception. Thus, it happens, that, in a mixed 



170 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

circle in which there are skeptics or scoffers, no satis- 
factory communications can be written. The good 
spirits lose their power to control and protect the 
medium, and thus let in the wicked spirits, whose pres- 
ence will be immediately obvious to those who have 
any experience in spirit writing. 

The sincere desire to be convinced, while the judg- 
ment is suspended, will not repel, but rather excite the 
spirits to renewed exertion to demonstrate the fact of 
their presence. Humility in any form attracts ; but the 
pride of superior knowledge, the conceit of stolid arro- 
gance, or the scoffing of an empty, frivolous mind, 
drives the higher spirits far, far away. This is an im- 
portant fact which all who would investigate the subject 
of spirit intercourse should never lose sight of. 

COMMOTIO ATIOK FROM JAMES FISK, JR. 

In the next communication, is presented, perhaps, the 
most awful picture of suffering that the mind of man 
can contemplate. It was given for a blessed purpose, 
by the will of God, and seemingly under the guardian- 
ship of spirits of the highest sphere, as a lesson to sin- 
ners. Would that all who are entering upon a life of 
wickedness might read it and believe ! 

On the 17th of February, while various spirits, un- 
called, were writing their names, the medium saw the 
name " Jim Fisk {a reptile)" written among others. 
The next day, she felt a peculiar control, and repeatedly 
heard, as if whispered into her ear, this name. On the 
evening of the 17th, in the presence of the editor, she 
wrote the following startling communication : — 

" Jim. Fisk, Jr. — ' Jim Fisk ' — I hate the name. HELL. 
Dear people, I am persecuted and tortured by my enemies. Do 
you wish to know who they are ? (! ! ) I will tell you — it is Sin. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 171 

He is near me always. Did I not seek him, and soothe liim to 
my breast ? Many and many a time. Did I not grow to love 
him , and everything lie created ? He gave me the relish I had for 
things which carry me to the life of a dog. Yea, a dog should 
have a better fate than mine. 

" Horror of horrors ! I am surrounded by black darkness — 
so black I can almost feel it ! Oh ! so terrible ! I have no feel- 
ings of revenge now. Oh, no ! Why am I so changed in that 
way ? Oh 1 why was I not so in the bodily form ? How foolish ! 
Oh ! to myself I seem as a log plunged in the water. So choked 
I feel — O, I cannot swallow 1 I gasp ! I drown ! O, I shall 
die! Help! 

" Good people, I ask your help. 0, pray for me ! I am not 
wicked. I will not harm you. God ! No. Do not fear me, 
I pray and beseech you. Forgive me for troubling you, as your 
Father forgives you, who are meek and lowly in your desires on 
earth, but elevated and pure in your thoughts, that meet 
Heaven's approval. 

' ' May the Lord bless you, and help you to protect me from 
the terror of contemplation ! I never thought to be in this state. 
Oh ! there is something about my neck ! I shall never forget it, 
— so tight ! And something in my hand ! Ah ! a pistol ! It 
goes off ! Ah me ! I am dead ! — but I do not die ! 

" May I never ask you to suffer my feelings again ! But, dear 
people, I feel better ; and I shall get strength from this confes- 
sion, which will cover you with blessings. 

"God bless you! I go. Do not say you are glad. No, no, 
no ! Farewell ! I am no longer a colonel. No ; I wear the 
breastplate of agony on my person. Good night 1 I am sorry 
to go. God deliver me ! Amen. 

" As the sun shineth — but not for my sight — I live, and bear 
this testimony to my sufferings. Jim Fisk, Jr." 

The medium burst into tears, and wept passionately 
and hysterically for several minutes ; but holy angels 
wrote their names to indicate their soothing presence ; 
and one far, far advanced in spiritual progress, wrote 
the following : — 

" Dear friends, hearken well to the lesson of life. It comes 



. 



172 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

from above, and soothes the soul unto bright and joyous realms 
of Peace. I am, in great consideration for your comfort, 

" Your friend, _>># 

The two following communications are especially val- 
uable for the additional evidence and illustration which 
they present of the severity, but limitation, of future 
punishment for a sinful life, as well as the truth of spirit 
progression. The first is from a man noted in the city 
of New York, among city officials and politicians of a 
certain grade ; the second is from the man who, at one 
time, held the City of New York almost as much in his 
grasp of power as Rome was ever held by a dictator or 
emperor; whose crimes in the administration of office 
were colossal, and whose turpitude and audacity were 
unparalleled. But he was suddenly struck down from 
his " bad eminence ; " and many of those who had 
profited by his guilt, hurriedly contributed to his fall, 
and gloated over his punishment. His life and fate pre- 
sent a lesson and a warning such as God, in his wisdom 
and justice, has often given to men, but never more im- 
pressively than in the case of this misguided man. 

The following is from Coroner S. [called by Mr. L. 
F. Weismann, who had been acquainted with him] : — 

" S , at your service, on Calvary— the Mount of God ; for 

God is -my judge. I am the poor old man who thought often, if 
not well, of the benefit, or deserts, of a life of fame in either 
evil or good living, but more often the former, according to my 
calling in life ; for I was the coroner of the community, and in 
that calling a fruitful blessing to humanity ; but (pardon my 
confession) I was far from being a help to any one beyond that 
peculiar distinction. Nevertheless, I have seen, with hopeless 
and benighted eyes, many beauties, which should have been 
within my reach, so that I might have secured them for myself ; 
but I was without the benediction of God ; and man is only a 

* See page 296. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 173 

false machine, if lie lias not the lightning speed of God's truth 
and fondness in his constitution to teach him his immortality, 
and to prepare him for heaven. 

" My condition in this world was that of the lost, and intoler- 
able in companionship ; but I have implored my sacred Father, 
who is my succor now, to take me away from hell's tortures of 
remorse, regret, and sorrow for sin, and to forgive me, and lead 
me up to purer regions, where peace and harmony dwell, in all 
of which I have received encouragement and assistance from 
those who are mightier in grace to bring me further on toward 
the pure. I am in sorrow for my wife's pains of anguish. Tell 
her my immortal soul now finds sweet repose in death, from 
which I never supposed I should rise. But God is now my fond 
and hopeful Judge, and I rise to a purer mind in the skies, under 
his benign power. 

" Blessings to you, my wife, in patience and fear. All is well. 
Be steadfast and have good cheer ; for I am near to bless you in 
grace ; and encouragement I bestow, for to me you are dear. 

" Ever fond in the mind of a spirit, and ever with blessings 
to the world at large, I am W. S., Coroner, in the office belong- 
ing to the City of New York, who died in 1878." 

Then came his friend, W. M. Tweed, and wrote the 
following: — 

"Bill Tweed." — [The name after it was written was de- 
faced by the spirit ; and the medium was impressed to say, 
" Poor defaced Bill Tweed."] 

" Born for a stony path of wickedness and ill merit ; but the 
beautiful God has indeed bereft me of my ' mortal (serpent) 
coil,' and without that I can see my way, though many a breaker 
be ahead. 

"Believe me, I have more than suffered ; I have agonized in 
my state of pain, without the' help of a soul to afford me relief. 
I have jumped into the tortures of hell with, as it were, a mill- 
stone around my neck. And what was the cause of this ? 
Namely — but I repent, and it grieves me to write it ; and, in- 
deed, I cannot scrawl it black enough for my satisfaction — 
VILLAINY. Be it of WEALTH, as MINE, or SELF, or 
OTHERS' DISGRACE, it is all the same— CRIME at last, and 



174 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

destruction to God's sight. I know it now, and I am thankful. 
I had my pleasures — MANY — in the earth ; but what are they 
now, or what were they after my peace was broken in upon as a 
thief in the night ? It was justice on earth ; and what suffering 
I have had here, or know now, \sjustice, YEA, more, in heaven. 

" Tell the people in the world that Boss Tweed is no longer a 
reptile. NO ; purification comes with death. No, nor does he 
burn with imperishable flames of torture. NO ; God is merci- 
ful. But is there not worse burning tban this ? — the consuming 
fire of a volume of SIN ? Can any OUTSIDE affliction compare 
with this ? No ; but those people who are desirous of reaping 
for me my harvest of punishment, had, in the truth of a fallen 
man, in the spirit of God, better prepare for a good possession of 
kind offerings to their King of goodness and j ustice. Prepare 
the gifts of a pure and upright life, such as the angels will re- 
ceive, and such as will not cause you to blush. 

' ' In sorrow of night, I am waiting for bright day, but without 
impatience for God's love — to me. Ever above mortality's 
wrongful state, Wm. M. Tweed." 

I hope the message will do good. 

" I am satisfied it is in good hands. I know you well, Henry 
Kiddle. Were we not happy once ? " 

We hope you icill advance. 

" I will yet be ready to sing with joy, if my life can be atoned 
for.— W. T." 

The peculiar manner in which this was written can- 
not be transferred to paper. The editor, who had known 
the man in life, could discern, in almost every movement 
of the medium's hand, the distinguishing traits of his 
mental character — quickness, force, decision, and self- 
reliance. As remarked by the spirit of Robert Watts, 
" Nature never changes her conditions ; " and although 
the spirit of W. M. Tweed is undergoing retributive 
punishment, and, through it, purification, his peculiar 
mental traits still remain, and, as shown by the spirit 
of Lafayette, will continue to characterize him, even 
after he has become an angel of light and mercy. Those 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 175 

who seem almost to gloat over the fancied eternal pun- 
ishment of their fellow-mortals, according to their cher- 
ished dogma, will probably read this communication 
with disgust, and reject it in passion. But the editor 
would counsel wise and calm consideration, for their 
own sakes, by means of Which they may be enabled to 
see more clearly and feel more deeply, through this 
blessed light of spirit communications, the infinite love 
and mercy of God. Let them not dare to say that this 
sinner has, according to their petty judgments, received 
no adequate punishment for his great crimes, remem- 
bering that, but for the grace of God, they themselves 
would perhaps have been worse sinners than he. To 
the self-righteous man, the doctrine of the everlasting 
"torture of hell-fire " seems to be sweet and precious; 
but, as intimated so properly and feelingly by the spirit 
Tweed, it would be much better for him to exclaim 
with the publican, " God be merciful to me a sinner ! " 
than with the Pharisee, "I thank Thee that I am not 
as other men," &c. Who can realize — can, indeed, have 
the faintest conception of — the sufferings of this hapless 
man — this victim of the wiles of the evil one ? How 
significant the expressions : " I have more than suffered — 
I have agonized ; " and " "What suffering I have had, or 
hioio now ; " and, again, " In sorrow of night, I am 
waiting for bright day." 

Let this whole picture of the repentant spirits, so 
pregnant with impressive lessons, bear witness to the 
inconceivable sufferings of those fallen children of God 
— sufferings so great that the angels weep tears of sym- 
pathy over them, while they prosecute their holy mis- 
sions of love, to rescue them from so dark a fate. Let 
it be remembered, too, that but a small part is here re- 



176 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

vealed, or perhaps can be revealed ; for there may be 
spirits so far sunk in the depths of darkness, that the 
light of heaven cannot reach them, and will not perhaps 
for ages. Yet, it is said by another spirit, while in the 
agonies of remorse, " The spirit finally conquers ; " so, let 
us hope that none can depart so far from their blessed 
Creator as "to lose his love beyond recalling;" and 
that, at some time, however remote, to use the words 
of the purified spirit of Byron, " all the creatures of 
God's love will be brought into one blest companion- 
ship of joy."* 



VI. 

THE SHORT-LIVED ON/ EARTH. 

Communications from those who died in Infancy or Childhood. 

' ' Take lieed that ye despise not one of these little ones ; for 
I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold 
the face of my Father which is in heaven." — Matthew xviii. 10. 

" They shall all bloom in the fields of light, 

Transplanted by my care, 
And saints, upon their garments white, 

These sacred blossoms wear." — Longfellow. 

* There is an allusion in spirit Tweed's message which seems to refer to 
certain remarks made in a lecture delivered in the City of New York a few 
days before the message was written, the object of which was to demonstrate 
the eternity of the future punishment of the wicked, from natural considera- 
tions, outride of Scripture The characters of W M. Tweed and Aaron Burr 
were used as examples, the conception of the speaker being that these great 
sinners were, ??nd must forever continue to be, in the burning fires of hell 
punishment. It seems rash and pitiless, to say the least, to condemn, even 
in thought, any of our brothers or sisters to hopeless, everlasting torment. 
Scripture, when properly understood, does not warrant it. The doctrine of 
a Christian minister (Rev. Jas. Pullman), in "Repentance after Death," is 
more charitable, and more truthful. (See page 34.) 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. \fj 

" She is not dead,-— the child of our affection— 

But gone unto that school , 
Where she no longer needs our poor protection, 
And Christ himself doth rule." — Longfellow. 
The purity of child life is one of the sweetest and 
holiest things which we are permitted to contemplate 
in this world of corruption. The innocence of child- 
hood has been ever the theme of poet and painter ; in- 
deed, the glorious mission of the Saviour begins with 
the Babe of Bethlehem, to whom the sages of the East 
knelt ; as they offered their richest gifts to this mysteri- 
ous symbol of the purity of an immaculate Deity clothed 
with a temporary garment of flesh. No wonder, there- 
fore, that the Saviour took these flowers of humanity in 
his arms, and said to his disciples, " Take heed that ye de- 
spise not one of these little ones," at the same time 
teaching them that these tender beings are under the 
guardianship of angels so pure and holy, that " they 
always behold the face of the Heavenly Father." 

L?t the theologians say what they may about " origi- 
nal sin ; " and, indeed, the tendency of the human heart 
to corruption must be sufficiently obvious to the most 
careless observer and thinker; there is still also just as 
obvious a truth in the beautiful lines of Wordsworth : — 
" Heaven lies about us in our infancy ! 
Shades of the prison-houso begin to close 

Upon the growing boy, 
But he beholds the light, and whence it flows ; 

He sees it in his joy ; 
The youth, who daily further from the east 
Must travel, still is nature's priest, 
And by the vision splendid 
Is on his way attended ; 
At length the man perceives it die away, 
And fade into the light of common day."* 
*0cle on the fali nations of Immortality 



178 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

From the commencement of the experiences recorded 
in this book, the editor was much interested in the com- 
munications that purported to come from the spirits of 
those who died young — in early childhood. The first 
message, as already related, was from his daughter 
(Mary Anna), who, at the age of five, departed from 
earth about twenty years ago. His faith in the eternal 
world, at that time, was too much a mere sentiment — 
too vague in its conceptions, too much shackled by false 
speculation, and the false teachings of a blind theology, 
to enable him fully to rise above the heart-rending 
agony — almost despair — incident to that sad event, 
which fell " like a blight " over his spirit, and made " the 
open sky " seem like a dark pall } rather than the scene 
of glad consolation, as pictured by the bard of Thana- 
topsis.* Yet as calmness succeeded the first wildness 
of grief, he was enabled to give expression to the con- 
flict of his earthly feelings of despair with the bright 
vision of hope presented by a glorious faith in immor- 
tality. The following lines were then penned, at least 
fifteen years previous to his condescending (as he then 
thought) to read a single volume on the subject of spirit 
intercourse. This little poem, laid away for nearly 
twenty years among old and almost forgotten papers, is 

* " From the stand-points of the old Theology, all is darkness. Notwith- 
standing the visions of poets, the speculations of philosophers, the achieve- 
ments of science and reason, the ecstasies of prophet and seer, the wisdom 
of churches, and the light of Revelation, the life after death is as much a 
mystery as ever. The Apostolic Church declares that the Gospel has brought 
life and immortality to life ; but its dim intimations teach us as little of 
the great Hereafter, as the murmurs of the ocean-shell tell us of the sea. 
What can its foremost and wisest man show us of the whereabouts of this 
little departed spirit ?— of its present form and nature ?— of its habitat and 
surroundings ? — of its associates and occupations ? — of its mode of living 
and means of development ? "—Da. Holcombe, Our Children in Heaven 
(Phila, 1868). 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 179 

here presented, not as possessing any literary merit, but 
as showing the wonderful realization of the sentiment of 
the third and fourth verses, which has been mercifully 
vouchsafed to the editor by the mysterious dispensation 
of his all-loving Creator : — 

THRENODIA. 

Tliou liast breathed on our sweet flower 

With thy <x)ld breath ; 
Triumphant reigns thy icy power, 

Pallid death ! 
She can never come again, come again ! 
Flower of love, but loved in vain ! loved in vain ! 

Look thy last on her cold clay, 

Child of woe ! 
Give thy tears of anguish way ; 

They must flow. 
We her loss shall e'er deplore, e'er deplore ; 
Broken-hearted evermore, evermore. 



Lo ! heaven's opening portals, pouring 

Floods of light ! 
Deathless spirit, upward soaring 

Wing thy flight. 
Wafted to that happy shore, happy shore, 
She shall sorrow feel no more, feel no more. 

Child of hope, no longer sighing, 

Cease thy fears ; 
Death's dark terrors now defying, 

Dry thy tears. 
When released from earth and pain, earth and pain, 
We will greet her once again, once again.* 



* The poem, it will be observed, is an imitation, as to rythmical con- 
struction, of Shakespeare's " Take, O take those lips away."— Measure far 
Measure, Act iv., sc 1. 



180 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

I. 

Very many communications have been received from 
the spirit of this beloved daughter — now matured in 
spirit life — all breathing the same tone of affection and 
purity, and indicating that her mission is that of an angel 
to guide and bless, as far as possible, those, whether 
here or in the eternal world, whom she can influence 
by her holy ministrations. In the communication to 
her sister, already presented on page 54, the signif- 
icant words occur, " Have you ever thought of my 
being loith you forever by God's design ? He did not 
take me to himself for naught, I am sure." All the 
circumstances, as far as known, indicate very plainly 
that she was the instrument employed by Providence 
to open to us, and through us to the world, these won- 
derful spiritual revelations. Her constant guardianship 
has been made known hundreds of times during these 
experiences, by the writing of messages of affection, of 
warning, and of instruction. When any unusual mani- 
festation has been made, indicating the presence of an 
unprogressed spirit, almost immediately the change of 
control takes place, and it is written in a soft, small 
hand, superseding the ugly, heavy characters of the 
fallen one, " Mollie is here. Do not be alarmed ; " 
or words of that import. It is impossible, by any nar- 
rative, completely to describe the various phases of this 
angel guardianship as it has been shown to the editor 
and his family, by these constant messages of love and 
watchfulness. A few communications will be here 
selected, as being most suggestive of the life, character, 
and mission of such a spirit. 

[To the medium. ] ' ' Heaven is my home, and I am Mollie, 
your sister in the spirit, as you know me not. Blessings from 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 181 

God I bring in my efforts for your good. Do not be imperfect 
in any way in your living, and God will never forsake you in 
the world to come. The earthly bondage is the only chain which 
keeps you back ; when this is broken, the heavens will open, 
and the angels of mercy will meet you with rapture." 

[To the medium — July 10.] " Emma, I love you. You are 
a good medium for our good purposes. Be everlastingly per- 
severing in well-doing. Heaven is your destination. Although 
we are helping you, help must come from God's own power of 
love to your heart. My wish is that you write a book for 
your many friends, who would patiently read it coming from 
you. For yourselves, we wish you joy forever. Mollie is send- 
ing you her heart's wishes for your good." 

[To her parents — Sept. 13.] "Mollie will let you know that 
you have nothing to fear while you have God's holy angels sur- 
rounding your paths by your earnest prayer for sacred protec- 
tion. Oh ! how I long to embrace you in my heavenly home, 
where we will certainly meet with heavenly rejoicing. Press 
on, dear, dear parents ; we will be happy yet — all a happy, 
happy band ! So joyous a sight to see you in the light of Jesus' 
love for you ! How you must rejoice in your hearts at the en- 
twining of your powers toward love and God, which are the 
only safeguards for the bliss of heaven. Blessings be upon you 
from all good and holy guardians ! Fervently seek the life from 
sin's control, and love your Holy Father. Amen. Heaven bless 
you and all. Mollie." 

[Sept. 24.] "Mollie is ever ready to give you all her heav- 
enly presence for your soul's understanding. My blest and 
dearest mother, I am happy to see you under the right guid- 
ance for God's life before you in heaven. Blessings will de- 
scend upon your life here when you can feel the truth of living. 
Oh ! how we long to give you all our rapture of living by sighs 
and songs of transporting joy for your onward and upward 
progress. Alas ! my earthly parents need even more yet to 
transport them to their home of heaven's endless pastures, 
where rippling waters How, bringing with them the feeling of 
never-ceasing rest and happiness. My dear, dear mother, ever 
feel that Mollie, your daughter, who died to earth's light twenty 
years ago, is near you, throwing you her life-long kisses of love 



182 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

and satisfaction. We will be happy yet in God's best abode, 
where no stranger, or enemy, such as death, is seeking and ever 
finding his harvest. Without a tearful passage of deliverance, 
you will not be able to accept your Heavenly Protector's kind 
blessings ; and without God, we are all as poor, poor sheep lost 
from the fold of Christ. But never be impatient. Though 
God seems not near, he is always in spiritual intercourse with 
you with the help of your seeking ; and never will he desert 
even his long-resisting children. I am happy by the side of my 
Saviour,* and Jesus is our friend and the intercessor for all. 
Pray for all departed spirits ; it will give them their needful 
light to see their way out of sin's worst dangers We do not 
think that the dead are lost ever ; no matter how disobedient 
they are, they seem to us to be in a prison from which they 
must see the light which opens the door of brightness and love. 

" We all wish you charity and forbearance in all things, and 
bless you again and again with the hope of life eternal. 

'* I remain as before yours fervent in love, Mollie." 

[September.] " Mollie is so glad to talk to you, my dear papa. 
I wish you would tell me that you would like to see me, and I 
might be permitted to show you that I am your little daughter 
who is in heaven. Dear Emma [the medium], believe me, you 
must follow the love of your Saviour Christ, in all his loving 
ways and pure ideas of holy living. Do not be perverse in your 
actions toward any of God's creatures, but resist the feelings of 
all wickedness, and all will be the perfect heaven and home that 
will fully satisfy you. I do not wish to offend you at all, my 
dear sister, but only write this as a prompter of my best love 
and wishes for your safety, as you will fully know at last. So 
trust God in all his ways. 

" Sister Mollie, with God's love to you all in my family ties. 
Amen." 

She was told that her relatives would be enraptured to see 
hei\ 

* This expression, " by the side of my Saviour," was explained by her on 
a subsequent occasion at the request of the editor. She wrote, " Mollie is 
not with Christ, the beloved of God, but feels his presence in every action. 
This is what I mean when I say 1 am by his side." How many errors in the- 
ology have arisen from construing figurative language with strict literalness! 






SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 183 

" I can come, when yon would wisli it, by the help of good 
mediumship." 

[Xov. 17. — To her grandmother.] "Mollie, by the will of 
(rod, is very glad to be able to write to her dear grandmother, at 
her request, a few lines, saying that Mollie, in the love of God, 
blesses her, and is in haste to meet her in the life of spirits. I 
bless you, and love you, as I always showed you when I was 
alive on earth. Yon know a little circumstance which happened 
in my childhood which will prove my saying. 

"Ever in true love, your affectionate granddaughter, as she 
was and always will be, Mollie, in love. Amen." 

The above communication was written through the 
boy medium. 

[Nov. 24.] " Mollie lingers around your hearts with heavenly 
bliss, and the strongest wishes for your good ; for many friends 
are listening around your chairs, anxious to express their feel- 
ings with the memories of years. And for this we come, but 
not with tears, or intrusive fears, but with the strongest help 
toward you on earth, to show the lost that a home is prepared 
for their soul's reception. And why, God ! do they not accept 
the offer, and thus make for themselves a resting-place, where 
their sojourn will suit their inclination ? O, instruct the err- 
ing ! Mollie." 

This was written after several other spirits had com- 
municated; hence the allusion to "many friends listen- 
ing around us." 

On the 8th of December, the spirit in a specially joy- 
ous mood, wrote the following poetical message to her 
parents : — 

" My dear papa, and mamma, too : 
As I am in a happy frame, 
To speak of heaven will be my aim ; 
And then, peradventure, if I pray, 
God will show to me his way 
To prepare your hearts for the deathless state, 
For which you must in patience wait. 



184 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

Please, bear me in mind ; as a spirit's care 
Gives me power to express the prayer, 
That God will give you, as me he has, 
A home of love 
Enthroned above. 

" Loving and waiting, 

" MOLLTE." 

Again, on the 19th of December, she wrote to the 
family circle the following: — 

"Mollie. — I am in your heart's delightful presence, when 
you are with God in your mind ; and I hope you are happy to 
be with me. I am so gifted with love for you, that it gives me 
the surest trust that your souls will accept their blessed living. 
I am as joyous a spirit as you could wish. I am as sympathiz- 
ing an attendant as God could give you ; and I am your little 
Mollie grown into the womanhood of a spirit's existence. If 1 
can meet you upon the shore of happiness at last, I shall reap a 
future of delight. If I cannot greet you in my home beyond, I 
will grieve myself at the loss of your presence ; but never at the 
justice of God can a spirit give a murmur. 

"I am, in patience, hopeful of your selection, waiting and 
watching for my own self, and for you all. In the eternity of 
bliss, I am your child, Mollie." 

The following, addressed, by request, to her mother 
(Feb. 9, 1879), presents some further points of illustra- 
tion: — 

" Mollie is ever ready to comfort her dearest mother. I love 
you, mother dear. I am sorry you do not see it clearly all the 
time, for it makes me happy to tell you of it ; and I think it 
makes you happy to feel that your own little girl is here to give 
you God's blessing: I have grown, and am larger than I was ; 
and I know you will think I am now more like a spirit, for I 
am growing more into the likeness of God, in love. All spirits 
love you, mother, and will give you all comfort. Take what 
you can here, on earth ; for in heaven you will have all comfort, 
— nothing to worry you, and you will be light and free. I love 
you, dear mother ; I love you, dear papa ; I love you brother 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 185 

Louis ; I love you aunt Lizzie ; I love you very much, my dear 
sister [the medium.] Mollie, in heaven." 

To those who desire any further test of the independ- 
ence of the intelligence communicating from that of 
the medium, it is presented in the last paragraph ; but 
let it be borne in mind that this message of affection was 
one of a long series written the same evening; as fol- 
lows: — (1) Bishop Ives; (2) Napoleon Bonaparte; (3) 
Joseph Lancaster ; (4) Mollie (as above) ; (5) Win, 
Penn. Let the reader turn to each of these in succes- 
sion, reading them all in the order given, and ask him- 
self if there is the slightest possibility that the intelli- 
gence of one person, however gifted intellectually, could 
have, impromptu, struck them all off in about one hour 
and a half. That this was done the editor solemnly 
avers, and that it was done in his presence.* 

The constant attendance of this pure and bright spirit 
has evidently been the means of our being able to ob- 
tain the presence of very many other spirits. Thus it 
has been frequently written, " Mollie will call the 
spirit, if you desire it ;" or when it has been asked, 

" Can you bring ?" the response has been, " Yes, 

in a minute ; " and for a short time the medium would 
feel the absence of all control, followed by a change of 
control evidenced by the different kind of writing, and 
sometimes, for a little while, by the great difficulty of 
writing at all intelligibly. On one occasion, it was 
asked, " How did you know you could come ? " and the 
answer was, " Mollie brought me." At another time, 
in answer to the question, " How did you come to us ? " 
it was written, " You called me, and Mollie echoed the 
call to my spirit's understanding." When the spirit of 

* The editor further says, the original papers are all preserved. 



186 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

Edgar Poe was called, it was said : " Mollie will see if 
he will come, or be brought. He is not near; " and two 
quite long communications were written by other spirits 
before he wrote the remarkable message given on 
page 159. 

When asked to bring the spirit of a certain person 
she wrote : — 

" Yes, yes ; for I hope lie may be found in the regions of pro- 
gressed spirits, as I think he was a good man on earth. I think 
I can bring him. Wait a short time, as there are no minutes or 
hours here. " 

At a subsequent period, the following remarkable 
communication was written : — 

' ' Oh ! Mollie knows how anxious you all are to see her, and 
hopes that you may all meet her in the happy home where love 
and peace dwell, such as can nowhere else be found. Suffer me 
to bring any spirit that your hearts may desire ; for I am, as I 
think, the one to bring all spirits to this harmonious family. 
Ood has appointed me to do his will in this way ; and therefore 
I do it, and I am always ready to do your hearts service. So 
never be afraid that the work (as you call it) of bringing, or 
rather calling, spirits troubles me. It is a pleasure, not a toil. " 

Then followed advice as to requiring spirits to sign 
their names, with an attestation, so as to prevent evil 
spirits from communicating. 

II. 

The next series of communications are from the spirit 
of M. W., who died in 1861, at the age of two years. 
The style is, in many respects, different from that of the 
preceding messages, as will be readily perceived. The 
first communication was written July 26th, to her moth- 
er, who was present. 

"You are my dear mother. Milly will bless you in homes 
beyond. Do you not see I am your lost Milly on earth ? — but 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 187 

lost to the sins which you have to fight ? Dear mother, I come 
in (rod's name. Forever love God, while there is good time to 
help your soul's salvation. I am looking and loving with such 

longing and heavenly impatience to see you help to his 

knowledge of the life here. God sees his wavering error. Bear 
with the cross, and Jesus will give you the crown, beyond your 
feeling the power of God's heavenly Milly. " 

The following was written on the 30th of September, 
to her parents, w T ho were present : — 

" Milly loves her parents, and hopes to make them feel this 
truth so beautiful, and so clearly seen in the light which comes 
from heavenly communion with the angels of God. Oh ! how 
I long to have you see that I am ever near, to look upon you in 
all your ways. Oh ! feel how great will be our heavenly re- 
joicing when your work upon earth is done, and all is won ; 
with Jesus yet to speak to and love. He is our Holy Comforter 
— so kind and forgiving. Never, never do you know that we 
can see you by his high and heavenly redemption. It was he 
who died and bled to save you from your own deserved punish- 
ment. Why then will you neglect your Saviour's call ? Think 
again how happy we shall be, with mother, father, brothers, 
and sisters — indeed all of us will meet upon the shore of heaven, 
to sing of God and his perfection, with the angels of mercy, 
charity, and love. Follow these three on earth ; and Milly will 
never cry and grieve to return to earth, or permit a sorrow 
to dim your hearts. 

" Love and blessings forever from Milly, your lost to earth, 
but won to heaven. Lend us your understanding, and permit 
our intercession by your humble and believing hearts. 

" Ever your affectionate and truthful Milly." 
Again, on the 22d of November, she wrote to her 
mother as follows : — 

Oh ! I pray you, believe me, I am near, near, and can send 
you light to lead you to the road to happiness. Please be faith- 
ful to me — a poor little child, who went home to her Father's 
house ; and please do not be so foolish in your heart, and blind 
to God's manifestation to you of his power. I am only a little 
spirit come in love to you ; and I ask that you will believe me. 



188 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

It was for this 1 came to grandmother's arm ; drawn also by 
her inclination, for she is no impostor, but a Christian being, 
and she will give you new evidence that I am here.* 

"Milly will now say good-bye; and a change will come to 
you all in God's time." 

Being asked to write a message for her father, she 
wrote as follows : — 

"Oh ! yes ; 1 can see too plainly that my dear father is not 
traveling upon the pathway of light ; and I believe that he 
will have to suffer adversities before he can know fully that he 
is not here as a dog without a tongue, but is a Christian man, 
born of God, and for God, who will ask him if he has done 
his will upon earth ; and, according to this, God will select for 
him his future state ; and as this is just, he will reap whatever 
he has sown. 

' ' My dear papa, be advised in the Truth, and desist from 
every temptation that leads from the paths of goodness and 
love. Bring up the children to hope for the bright home where 
Milly is waiting for you all with a heart full of anxious love 
and impatience. " 

On Christmas evening the following was written with- 
out a call : — 

" Merry Christmas from Milly in heaven." 
Is it " Merry Christmas " with the spirits in heaven t 
1 ' Yes ; all is merry Christmas in the palace of Christ's 
abode." 

I suppose it is one continuous feeling of satisfaction in that blest 
abode. 

" YES. When you reach that perfect shore, you will find it 
much more brilliant than in the less purified regions of space. 

"Milly." 
Tou have long reached that happy shore, I presume. 
" No. Never in the short time of a little child's existence is 



* This has reference to a very singular incident. Her mother and grand- 
mother were sitting one morning in the family circle ; and the arm of the 
latter was made to shake violently, as if by some magnetic power. She was 
not, however, impressed to write any message. This, as was explained, was 
a demonstration made by the spirit to impress her mother. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 189 

Christ's home readied ; but in time I shall be with the all-suc- 
cessful in Christ's heart of love. But I am happy, and God is 
good and kind and tender toward me — a poor little wandering 
spirit, needing the support of a great spirit's protection. I can 
only seem great or useful to the humble spirits, or the earth- 
bound people of God's creation. But do not suppose I seek 
greatness* No ; never do such fancies find room in my spirit's 
being ; for all I need to help me on is the bright face of Jesus, 
and his beaming smile of happy satisfaction, with which he will 
greet me, or (perhaps you will comprehend better) when he 
fondly throws his spirit of love to my possession as a peaceful 
offering of holy trust, confidence, and perfect love, for my ac- 
ceptance ; and I thank God daily, or I should say, my feelings 
are for God and with God always. God grant that you may reap 
the pleasure, as I feel it, and bear the love of God in truth and 
sincerity. Fondly seeking peace for you, dear and loved of 
earth, I am your little Milly, sacred in bliss, and waiting for you 
with impatience and love for you all. 

*' Bless God, and the angels will always come. Amen. 

" MiLLY." 

Is not the projress of children toward the higher spheres very 
rapid? 

** It would seem so to you in the human form, but not to us, 
who have such holy longings to see God." 

III. 

Quite as interesting, with the same general charac- 
teristics of loving simplicity and affectionate anxiety 
for the welfare of the dear ones on earth — parents, 
brothers and sisters, and other near relatives, are the 

messages written by the spirit of Lucy , who died 

in 1872, at the age of about two years. Several affec- 
tionate communications of a purely personal character 
had been written previous to the following one : — 

[Sept 15.] " Lucy ~. 1 wish you would tell my mother 

that she must believe me, when I say she may know that I can 
see her at any moment of her time ; and I wish she would love 



190 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

me to talk to her through the angels of love, who are waiting" 
to teach her the way to come to heaven, where all who die as 
little children are permitted to be with Jesus, and to enjoy his 
loving protection. Keep on, dear cousin [the medium], in God's 
ways ; and you will meet us all in heaven, where the angels can 
kiss each other with fond delight. Immortal Lucy." 

The following messages, especially interesting to those 
to whom they were addressed, as referring somewhat to 
mattars of family privacy, are presented here, because 
they are suggestive of several interesting facts relating 
to the life of holy spirits, and illustrate still further the 
characteristics of the class to whom this chapter is es- 
pecially devoted. The lady to whom they were ad- 
dressed had just terminated a visit in the city, and was 
about to leave for her home in the country ; but before 
leaving requested these spirits to write to her through 
the little boy medium, with the following result : — 

"Little Mollie [cousin of Lucy] is here, and will write a mes- 
sage to you, dear grandma. 

' * My dear, dear grandmamma, I am very glad to be able to write 
to you this morning ; and as it may be the last for a time that 
I shall write to you here, I will ask you to give my best and 
harmonious love to all the little ones who are always playing 

with each other at . Give my love to my dear aunt and 

uncle, who are trying to look in the true way. My dear aunt is 
trying to see ; and my uncle is too, but keeps back from the 
path. My dear grandma, I will be with you on your journey to, 
the harmonious circle of little ones. Happy I shall be to see 
the beautiful smiles and laughings of my cousins, whom I never 
saw upon earth ; but I hops I shall see them in the happy home 
of spirits. Mollie will now say good-bye for the present, but 
will be with you again. 

" Mollie, in love to you all. Amen." 

Can you bring Lucy f 

" Yes, I can ; but wait a few minutes, and I will bring her ; 
for you will have to wait until she is through doing the good 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 191 

will of her Heavenly Father. I never find her idle, for she is a 
very good and beautiful spirit. Mollie." 

[A pause.] " Now, grandma, Lucy is here. Mollie." 

" Oh ! my dear, dear grandma, I am very, very glad, as I have 
said before, to write to you, and to show you a small part of the 
Kingdom of God, or the path to it, which I think you will reach 
by-and-by, when the work you have tD do in your world is fin- 
ished. My dear grandma, I will give to you, or rather send to 
you, a message to be delivered to my sisters, brother, mother, 
and father. 

" my dear father and mother, why can you not see and 
believe that your dear little Lucy is writing to you now ? She 
is always with you, as you know. Believe that / am writing 
a message to you — your own dear child, who died many years 
ago, but now is as happy as a queen on her throne. Do better, 
my dear papa ; for your future life depends upon it, and the 
future life of all the dear little ones, who are always about you 
singing, and playing, and laughing so pleasantly. Set them the 
example ; for what they see papa doing they do themselves ; 
for you know children say, my father does this or that. Bear 
with me, and believe me, I am, and will always remain, your 
dear beloved daughter, 

" Lucy, in love to you all. Amen." 
" My dear mother, I can easily see that you are prying into the 
truth of Spiritualism. Keep up your courage ; for ' God helps 
them that help themselves.' Be better, too ; for the state of 
your home hereafter depends on your character and disposition 
in your world. You are a very dear and beloved mother to all 
your dear, dear little ones, who love you, as you can well see by 
their actions. I bless them, and love them all, and remain your 
everlasting little spirit in love and affection for you all. Amen. 

"Lucy." 
The appropriateness, sweetness, and elevation of sen- 
timent disclosed by these communications, coupled with 
the childlike simplicity which pervades them, cannot but 
strike the attention, if they do not move the heart, of 
every one who may read them. Then the fact that they 
were written through a child medium, entirely incapa- 



l 



192 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

ble, of himself, of writing any such compositions, much 
less of personating impromptu the different characters 
presented, and adapting the messages to the different 
persons addressed, whose mental condition, of doubt or 
inquiry, he could have no means of knowing, must afford 
to any candid mind a complete test of the truthfulness 
of the messages. It may be stated also that no one but 
the medium and the " grandmamma " spoken of was 
present, when these communications were written. 
These are circumstances which the editor, while sol- 
emnly attesting them as true, leaves to the candid con- 
sideration of all into whose hands this book may fall. 
May God grant that the spirit of humility which char- 
acterizes these beautiful messages of love may guide 
thee, O dear reader, to the glorious truth of immor- 
tality, remembering the words of your Saviour : u Ex- 
cept ye become as little children, ye cannot enter into 
the kingdom of heaven." 

IV. 

In some respects, still more interesting and sugges- 
tive, as showing a greater degree of affectionate sim- 
plicity, are the following from the spirit of C. W., called 
by the family CJiarlie, who died at the age of about two 
years, and nearly thirty years ago. His first communi- 
cation was to one of his sisters, and was written in June 
last. At first he seemed not to remember his name, 
but soon recalled it, having apparently a perfect knowl- 
edge of his relatives. He wrote as follows : — 

* ' I did not know what your mother called me. I was a little 
ho} r when I passed to heaven. I am a happy spirit now, whose 
mission is love to you all on earth. Be a good sister. I love 
you. Heaven is a lovely spot, all bright with flowers, love, 
goodness, and joy forever. I know you will love it. From 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 193 

Charlie . Good night, and please don't forget that I love 

you all." 

What do you do in heaven f 

" I bless God by doing bis lovely missions." 

Again on the 15th of September, after other spirits 
had communicated, the name Little Charlie was seen ; 
and the following message was written : — 

Is this Charlie ? 

"Yes; I am my mother's youngest child, and died about 
thirty years ago. My mother is doing well by her patience and 
upright endeavors. I hope to see and feel her soon in my happy, 
happy home. She is not a young woman, as I knew her, but is 
old in her ways of life, as I can see myself when she is near my 
heart. She is constantly thinking of her final rest, and I know 
God is a loving judge, and happiness will be hers in her per- 
petual home beyond the grave, where only darkness dwells. 

" Charlie loves you all, all. Tell every one that I am ready to 
be with them all, when their work is done, if they love their 
loving Saviour, who is near your heart with all kindness and 
fond protection. Ask him to provide ; and all will be given you 
for your life of loving here, in which you must gain or lose your 
reward! I am always the little Charlie who loves you in hea- 
ven. Bless you, dear cousin [the medium]." 

His mother was not present when the above was 
written, but subsequently (November 28), he wrote 
the following in the presence of his mother, who re- 
quested that he would come and address her— saying, 
•' Will little Charlie write to his mother?" 

"Oh! I am no longer little Charlie, my mother's son, as I 
knew her ; but I am a spirit born into hope, and I am waiting 
for God to send me all my dear, dear friends in the earth land. 
Now I am with God, and 1 expect to go to meet you when God 
shall let me ; and when that time comes, 1 will be SO happy, 
that I shall feel as if I could carry you in my arms right up to 
the Saviour's glory. Oh ! when shall I come? Oh ! when shall 
it be? I am tired of waiting ; for, although I have with me 
now a great many little people to love, still I see that you are 






194 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

not entirely satisfied yet, and I want to make you happy, and show 
you all the lovely views and sights we have here ; and I will 
do so, if you are very, very good, and if you help every body to 
do what God wants, and what God will love. And now I shall 
go, but shall come again to ask you to help me to help you ; and 
we will then be happy. 

" My dear mother, dear mother as I feel, I am your little boy 
spirit, Charlie." 

After a short intermission, the following conversation 
ensued between this beautiful spirit and the editor : — 

Is Charlie with us still f 

" Yes, Charlie is here." 

WJiere is your home ? 

" I am on high." 

Do you see the blessed Saviour ? 

" 0, yes ; such a loving manner he has toward me! " 

Bo you regret that you died so young? 

" I do not know regret. What can you mean ? " 

I mean that you did not live long enough to learn much of this 
world. Bo you regret that t 

[With slowness and seeming hesitation.] "Yes — [quickly] 
Oh ! no ; not when I am with God. I can learn more and better 
from Him." 

Is it a blessing to die young f 

" Yes and no. I think those who travel much will certainly 
be able to appreciate and feel better than those who have no ex- 
perience in trouble or joy." 

You mean the joys of heaven are enhanced by experiencing the 
sorrows of earth ? 

" Yes, — all that and more." 

Can you describe your home ? 

"Well, I do not know whether I am a spirit who can relate 
much of that ; but I certainly am in a good place. I have a 
great many things to do, as it were ; and I feel so much for all 
the other spirits, that I am in constant fear that I cannot help 
them. This is my only trouble, for it is so joyous to show them 
the way up here. But sometimes they will not notice me, or 
hearken to what I say ; and then oh ! oh ! I do not know what 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 195 

to do with myself for sorrow. I have to go to Clod, and ask 
him, and he affords me joy to feel that he is near. So, you see, 
I have much to do ; and I am ever happy when the hearts of all 
will love me and love God." 

Who are the spirits you visit? 

" They are the wicked ones, I believe, who did not receive the 
love of God, and do not want it even now ; but I know what to 
do — only tell them that God is their friend, and they will always 
como." 

Do the dark spirits sec you f 

" No, they do not know me, except by a sign of light, which. 
they will understand is the Truth." 

Will you write a message for your brother ? 

"My dear brother, — do you remember the little boy who 
called you by your name a long time ago ? Well, I remember 
you, and I am your little brother Charlie, who comes to seek 
your soul for glory. Do not be without love to God, who loves 
you ; for you will suffer the love of God to drown you with 
sorrow — you will be so sorry for him. Please seek more of 
heavenly things, and do not be so fond of fun, that you cannot 
see that God is the One who sends you so many good things, 
and so much to love and be thankful for. You are blind, fool- 
ish, and unkind ; but little Charlie can see and feel, and loves 
you nevertheless. You will not be found when the time of joy 
comes round, unless you know where the joy is to be found ; 
and how are you to be prepared for this, unless you try to seek 
it in the shape of penitence, and love to everybody? Now, my 
dear brother, will you pray for me, and pray for all, and most 
of all pray for yourself? And then Charlie will be happy, and 
God will bless you, and bid you come to himself, when every 
soul you know on earth will be at rest and peace. So I am 
waiting, and hoping, and loving forever. Charlie." 



From James K s to his mother [Dec. 19] : — 

*' My dear mother, 1 am your boy — be it for your great good. 
For 1 love you, I love you. Do you not remember me ? 1 was 
always an affectionate boy. I see you are in grief so often. Do 



196 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

not cry ; do not be so sad. It makes me feel so sorry, for a mo- 
ment ; and then I pray to God for you and myself, that we may 
be happy soon. Do not think that we [he and his father, who 
had written previously] are happy in any way when we think 
of your being away from us. No ; but here we are not allowed to 
speak of grief ,— it is so bright at last. It is but a dream, they 
say ; and I think the spirits understand what that is, if I do not 
remember. I think you will see in this that I love you, my dear 
mother, and KISS you too. I was a good boy ; wasn't 1 1 Well, 
I suppose I shall know it all when you come. Oh ! Oh ! Oh I 

" James K— -s, your little boy's spirit in the love which 
comes from God and his angels. Be happy." 

What is your mission ? 

"My mission is to come and protect you, my dear mother, and 
to give all the comfort I can to every soul. " 

Are you and your father together? 

"When we wish, or think or speak of each other, we are to- 
gether, as God allows forever." 

[This spirit passed from earth at the age of four years, about 
fourteen years ago.] 

VI. 

The next communications here presented are from the 
spirit of the editor's brother, who died in infancy nearly 
fifty years ago. They are remarkable in showing the 
intellectual as well as spiritual development that takes 
place in the future world : — 

" John Kiddle I am not called now, but such a name they 
say I bore in the short life of my earthly home. I am your 
short-lived brother John, in the home of God's light beyond, 
My life now is a pure life, with the good who passed from a 
beautiful earth. I was an infant in my mother's arms when 
they called me to the other state. But why so short a time in 
my mortal life ? I cannot say, unless God must have both small 
and great to fill up his great estate. I am not very much given 
to poetry ; but you know those who go up to God can learn 
much from the pure in the skies. My dear friends whom I have 
I find a great joy to me. We do God's will by night and day ; 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATION'S. 197 

and whenever we feel very happy, we sing to let the pleasure 
out. Then we are light to spring about and send the light to 
many a heart. To be in heaven is my great pleasure ; but to be 
with your hearts is God's great treasure. So be faithful, and 
preserve your mission, to reap the harvest. Amen. 
" In the light of joy and God's distinction, I am 

" John Kiddle." 

Is it your mission to go to the dark spirits ? 

''• Yes, but not in their midst." 

Can you always aid them? 

" NO." [With great force, the paper being torn.] 

Why not f 

" They are not inclined. Oh ! such a misfortune ! " 

Do they remain in darkness long f 

" As they choose ; but not as God likes, never." 

Are there any that will not he saved ? 

"NO." [With great force.] " Do not say such things. My 
spirit will MELT." 

I am glad to have heard from you. I hope ice shall meet. 

" YES. You are good in this work." 

[December 25, without a call.] "Brother John Kiddle, by 
your leave." 

Will you write to us ? 

" Yes, if you will seek to know, and feel confidence in the 
spirits' conversations with you, you will have a just reward in 
the reaping of good to your soul's satisfaction. I give you all 
the benediction of a spirit in a high sphere of bliss, which God 
grant I may appreciate in the fullest sense ; and also that you, 
dear brother, may fully find the true mental state of rejoicing 
which commands my spirit. To be in such a living as mine 
would seem to demand the workings of a life time of sorrow ; 
and I imagine my time must have been much longer on earth 
to reap so full a state of happiness. My only brother on earth, 
I am your brother in heaven, of the three as we were in God's 
time of fruition, and by a mother* in bliss. John Kiddle." 

Please tell us about the blessed Saviour. 



* His mother died about twenty-five years ago. Both parents arc described 
dfl having attained a state of happiness in the spirit world. 



198 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

" My Saviour ! 0, to speak of him — the man who bore the ills 
of all ! It was he who sustained [saved ?] the two worlds ; 
namely, the spiritual or first existence, and the earthly or second 
existence. But for him, the nature of man would have become 
too gross to feel the spirit of God EVER. Indeed, God would 
have lost his angels for eternity. For the spirit of God, remem- 
ber, is infinitely ethereal, and pure, and untarnished, existing 
in you all forever. I say you and I are the offspring of Christ's 
redemption ; although he was but a humble man, given to good 
works, and possessed of God's spirit to the degree of a saint, and 
fortified by the strength which God ever provides for the man 
born in truth and purity, and gives to man by means of the di- 
vine spirit in his nature. He was diligent, humble, peaceful, 
and Godlike ; and you should follow him, if you would reap the 
succession of good things which result from such a life. 

"John." 

These remarks as to the Saviour, coming, as the edi- 
tor believes they did, from a pure spirit who without 
earthly stains passed to God so many years ago, are 
worthy of a careful study. He does not. however, pre- 
sent them as the infallible truth ; for he does not know 
the opportunities possessed by a spirit to acquire a com- 
plete knowledge of so exalted a subject. There can be 
little doubt, however, that a man's salvation, or state of 
exaltation, in the infinite world of spirits will depend 
rather upon his following the bright example of the 
blessed Saviour than in his belief in any dogma or creed 
as to his nature or relation to the God of the universe. 
That he was a divine personage, on earth his life showed ; 
and he is certainly divine in heaven, sitting (figuratively) 
" on the right hand of the Father.'* This the Scriptures 
declare, and this the blessed spirits confirm in all their 
communications. 

Again, on the first of January, the following was 
written intermediate with several other commumca- 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 199 

tions coming with New Year's greetings, all in a happy, 
if not merry and jocose vein. This spirit seems prone 
to indulge in rhythmical composition : — 

" Brother, I am your brother, John Kiddle — bereft of care 
before aware of much to lose or much to choose." 

This was certainly quite appropriate, coming from the 
spirit who left this world an infant. 

Once again, John announced himself (Jan. 4) in the 
following expressive terms : — 

' ' I am John Kiddle — the spirit who once lived on earth, 
clothed with a body, but a very small one, as you well know, 
Henry ; for was I not a little mite in my mother's arms ? " 

But you have had a blessed experience in heaven? 

" Yes, yes ; 1 long to meet you here." 

And still again, on the 23d of January, a communica- 
tion was written from the same spirit in which he makes 
farther reference to the joys of his heavenly state. 

VII. 

Further illustration is afforded by the spirit of F. M., 
who died about ten years ago, at the age of six. The 
following communication, written Jan. 16, 1879, is ad- 
dressed to his brother : — 

" Frederick M., your little brother from the shore of God's 
river of love, and beauteous surroundings. The dwellers here 
you will find such heavenly beings, of happy thoughts and pure 
feelings ! I am, dear brother, your heavenly guardian, or guide, 
in the command of God, if you will firmly seal our union of 
strength by finding and securing harmony of our thoughts. I 
cannot approach you always, for too much you thrust me away 
by your repulsive doubts, and unintentional repulses. I was 
rejoiced to see you study the spirits' coming, for your under- 
standing.* Please go on, and find relief in prayer to God. He 
will strengthen you to do what is right, and lift you up where 
you will find truth, honesty, and love, together with everything 

* That is, to see you study to understand (he subject of spirit intercourse. 



200 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

to satisfy your desires. I am only your brother who has reaped 
the joys of his boyhood in the spirit land. I wish to tell you 
much, but this way is small ; though God is kind to give it at 
all. Gracious you will find God, and ever near. If you are in 
trouble, only remember me as by your side at a call or a thought, 
I shall rejoice to bring you further upon the ladder of life's 
true learning. See to the fact that I am growing in knowledge, 
through the angels' light and help. Beautiful, and worthy of 
all living, is the step which shows you the spirit land. Go to 
the mediums forever, until you find a perfect comfort in what 
I say. 

"Your brother, only removed from you in form, but loving 
you forever. Bless my dear parents. Tell them, and 0, do 
show them, that I am with them, not to leave them, or turn 
away from them, though they give me no earthly call to help 
me relieve my feelings, which are so strong with love. I am so 
happy to come ! Call me again, and come to me in God's time 
— soon, I trust. Freddie M. (they say)." 

Can you be in harmony with your brother on earth ? 

"Harmony, my dear brother, you will know through God's 
intention ; for he will give you the power to receive everything 
to fit us to roam together in the spheres of perfect harmony. 
Believe that I, a spirit, come to you often, and I am in harmony 
with you." 

This communication very impressively illustrates the 
strength and endurance of earthly relationship • the con- 
stant presence and guardianship of the angelic spirits 
of the early departed ; and the craving on their part 
that this presence should be known and felt by their 
relatives. This realization of the spirit's presence is a 
recognition, which gives great pleasure to the spirit; 
and ail who have lost children or dear friends should 
cultivate constantly this spirit communion. 

Tin. 
In the next illustration here given, a curious in- 
cident in connection with the communication, presented 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 201 

additional indirect evidence of the authenticity of these 
messages. That now to be presented was one of quite 
a long series, all written from members of a numerous 
family of departed spirits, to surviving relatives present 
at the sitting. After several had been written, one 
from a brother James was asked for — a young man who 
deceased, about eleven years ago, aged 31. The follow- 
ing was written : — 

" James K d [slowly and calmly] : — Don't you think I 

love to come ? 0, my ! I seem to feel that I could take you up, 
up, to high and nice places, where angels are, and where all 
are going to meet their God. Oh, I love him ! I feel him all 
the time. I am a good spirit, I think ; but I cannot do much, 
and I want to do more. I shall try, and then God will help me, 
for I ask him often. I love you all, and everybody. God will 
bless you, I think ; and I know you will be happy. 

" Your brother, James K d." 

Considerable surprise was expressed at the charac- 
ter of this communication, purporting to come from the 
spirit of a man ; and the medium said, at the close of 
the message, this is from a child spirit. The sister, who 
was present, then said : — " I have two brothers name 1 
James, in the spirit world — one who died at the age of 
nine weeks about forty-seven years ago. It was then 
asked : — 

Is it the younger James who has written? 

" Yes ; little, little brother James, who did not know much." 

The other, familiarly called Jimmie — a person of a 
merry and humorous disposition — was then asked to 
communicate, with the following result : — 

" Jimmie K d. — Ho ! Ho ! I am all go. Goodness, it 

comcth to the just ; but he that grows down to the stubble, will 
certainly not spring up grain. All hail to the Chief — God ! All 



202 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

bless his name ! Come to me in spirit. Say amen, and feel it in 
your hearts. 

" James K — — d. the other brother, in eclipse."* 

It may be stated that neither the medium, nor any- 
other person present, except the relatives of the spirits, 
knew anything of the circumstance that makes this 
incident so interesting, affording, as it does, so beauti- 
ful a test of the truthfulness of the messages. 

IX, 

The following from D. A., who died fourteen years 
ago at the age of four, affords further illustration : — 

"My dear, dear father, and my dear, dear mother [both pa- 
rents were present], angels are above you always. We need only 
great love, and the right kind of spirit, to bring us back again 
right into your arms of love. I speak so often in my spirit and 
ask, ' Does mother feel me now ? Does father remember little 
Dudley ? ' Dear parents, I have grown into a sort of a man in 
my way, and I know more than you might suppose. God gives 
us every way to learn, and all is good learning. Many teach here, 
and, indeed, we learn easily. Of course, I don't know much of 
the earth land ; but spirit land — O my ! it is so bright, and we 
feel so good and kind toward every one ; and every one smiles, 
and seems so well satisfied, — at least, so I find it. They say, 
some do not see ; but I hope this is not so, for I like to see, and 
know. I should not be happy now to see these beautiful things 
and smiles upon the faces and in the aspect of my companions. 
I love you more than I could know, and I wait for you with the 
same childish love for you. God is a dear, dear Father ; and he 
will give you the knowledge to come to the right place. I love 
you both. Dudley A , a little boy. " 

X. 

This section is closed with a communication, written 
by the boy medium, from a beautiful child spirit — 

* That is, eclipsed in spiritual brightness by his elder spirit brother of the 
same name. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 203 

Netty S., to her father, and in his presence, opening 
with a colloquy with the editor's spirit daughter : — 

Is dear Mollie with us? 

" Yes, yes ; and a little friend, who has been in this [spirit] 
world but a short time longer than 1 have ; and she is a sweet 
child. Mollie K., with joy." 

Will your spirit friend torite a message for her father ? 

[Change of control.] " Papa, papa, you know me. I know 

you. I am your own child, or, as you called me, Netty S , 

your little girl spirit, whom you love dearly, and always did. 
Don't you remember how you used to play with me, papa ? My 
heart is FILLED with joy ; that words can hardly UNFOLD." 

What did ice use to do, Netty ? 

" Sing together ; and I remember the funny stories you used 
to tell me. Now don't you KNOW me, papa dear? " 

What is your mission noio? 

" Help, help my fellow creatures, whom I teach the word 
LOVE ; forever I teach THAT, which ought to be taught in the 
pziblic schools, and in the Sunday schools NOW, on earth, in- 
stead of waiting for the children to pass to heaven, before they 
learn to know the full meaning of that word of four letters, 
LOVE." 

Will you send a message to your mother? 

" 0, my mother, my mother ! What I know now of my dear 
mamma, I never knew before ; for I was too young to be able 
to understand her meaning. She is, indeed, a dear mamma to 
all who know no dear mammas. Isn't she, papa? You know, 
it too. I know you LOVE her, and always have ; and I do TOO. 
Papa, papa, I am GLAD — VERY GLAD to see joy in your heart 
at again hearing from me, before you come to me ; but not many 
people laugh for JOY, but CRY. But you need not cry, papa, 
because you know it would make me cry too. You undestand 
my meaning (cry) ; don't you? I am still PARTICULAR, you 
see." 

Some of the words and phraseology of this message 
are probably simpler and more childlike than they 
would have been, if they had been written through the, 






204 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

more mature and better developed medium. Coming 
through the mind of a child, they partake inform some- 
what of the character of the child's mind. It must be 
understood that the spirit is no longer a child, but " a 
fair maiden in her Father's mansion." Her earthly age 
was about five years; her spirit age is about twenty- 
one. All the incidents referred to, entirely unknown to 
the medium, were pronounced correct by the father. 



VII. 

VARIOUS COMMUNICATIONS. 

Presenting mtmerous illustrations of the nature of the 
Future Life, and its relations to the life on earth. 

Only by the careful study of a large number of spirit 
communications is it possible to acquire anything like 
a correct idea of the condition of these disembodied in- 
telligences, and the nature of their life — their actions 
and employments, their modes of thought, their relations 
to each other and to God, as well as the relations of the 
earthly and spiritual worlds to each other. The editor, 
therefore, has striven to obtain communications from as 
large a number of spirits as possible, with the view to 
present the materials for such an extensive comparison 
and generalization as are needed to obtain even an ap- 
proximation to the Truth. The reader will find in this 
chapter a great variety of such materials, the communi- 
cations emanating from many spirits of various grades 
of progression, and very different periods of spirit exist- 
ence beyond the earthly sphere — ranging from a few 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 20.3 

days to many years, comprehending also the spirits of 
those whose lives here on earth had very diverse char- 
acteristics — from those of the man of strong religious 
faith to him who, practically at least, seemed to know 
very little of the blessed truths of Christianity. All 
this must render the present section one jof peculiar 
interest. 

The editor, as a further evidence of the authenticity 
of these wonderful messages, presents first a few, 
grouped in series as they were written ; and the reader 
must bear in mind that very frequently the spirits wrote 
one after the other without a call, showing their general 
presence and most probably an associative union among 
them. Those of the following series were written on 
the evening of September 15, 1878. They are quite re- 
markable, especially in regard to the MS., which covered 
125 pp. (all executed at one sitting), and showed most 
strikingly the transitions from one spirit's writing to 
another;, sometimes on the same page. 

" William Belden. — Your heaven is a little nearer God's 
home. We are all near you this evening, and would send you 
God's most righteous presence to console your wayward minds, 
lest you all should die through neglect of your Saviour's holy 
living. His life, remember, was one of suffering endurance and 
holy precepts toward every soul born of God's love — sacred in 
his instinct, pure in his teachings, blessed in his calling, and 
perfect from sin's control. Bless the Lord ; praise his holy 
name. We are never weary of looking to him for his heavenly 
protection. Oh ! how much we receive you will never appre- 
ciate before your lying down to rise no more !,o his blessed sun, 
the splendor of which is but a fly-speck compared to his suns in 
the celestial sphere. 

" Lead on, dear friends, toward the majesty of the Most High, 
we beseech you ; and never will the light fade from your hearts ; 
but bright and patient keeping will send you to your final and 



206 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

perfect rest. Then, I say, you will know that God is boundless 
love, and not a hateful MONSTER.* 

''• William Belden, Sk." 
An intermission was then taken ; after which the fol- 
lowing prayer was offered [inserted here simply as an 
illustration of the spirit in which these investigations 
have been pursued] : — 

" O God, our Heavenly Father, let thy blessing rest upon us at this time, 
when we would greet the dwellers of thy Heavenly Kingdom, who come, 
with thy permission, to speak to us words of love, and hopeful encourage- 
ment. We thank thee, O most kind and merciful Creator, that thou hast or- 
dained this means of light for thy creatures on earth, and we pray that by 
the messages of Truth which we receive, we may be incited to an ever in- 
creasing activity in all works of love toward our fellow-creatures ; and that 
as the ministers of Truth to the blind and lost of earth, we may be able to 
advance the interests of thy spiritual kingdom— each, in his humble sphere, 
co-working with thy blessed Son, for whose sake and in whose name, we 
offer our petitions at the throne of thy Divine Majesty. May thy kingdom 
come speedily upon earth ; and may thy will be done here as in heaven ; 
and, may the glorious trnth of immortality so pervade the minds of mankind 
that they may be lifted up, above the dress and dust of this gross world, and 
thus be prepared for thy blessed kingdom in heaven . Send us, O our Father ! 
thy blessed messages of spiritual light, that our souls may be refreshed with 
their precious words of cheer and promise, and that we may thus be enabled 
to convince the minds of all the lost and erring whom we can reach, and 
bring them nearer to thee, making them better prepared for admission to 
those mansions of rest which thou hast prepared for all who love and serve 
thee here on earth. Hear us, O Lord God, and answer us according to thy 
holy will, for the sake of our blessed Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. 
Amen." 

Then a communication was asked for from any spirit 
who could afford us aid in accomplishing our mission of 
good to mankind ; and the following was written : — 

" He who sees all things can alone aid you truly ; but we will 
send you all that the love of God allows to enlighten your 
soul's understanding. B., Sr." 

The next followed without a call, or any expectation 
of hearing from this friend. [See page 47.] 

* Some theologians of the Calvinistic stripe have blasphemously repre- 
sented God as delighting in the torment of his creatures— " holding up the 
wicked " in hell-fire with one hand, and tormenting them with the other. 
Mr. Belden was a Presbyterian clergyman during a part of his earth life. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 207 

" Henry Kiddle, I am Kelly,— James." 

Is it Mr. Kelly, my old friend ? 

" Yes ; old Kelly." 

We are glad to greet you. How are you doing ? 

" Well, by the grace of God." 

Have you any particular message for us f 

"I will tell you that, beyond the grave, is pure and bright 
living, through the redemption obtained by Christ's living for 
you on the earth. Be good people by your SINCERE living, not 
hypocritical vagabonds of God's grace and love. My God ! if 
you knew the dangers of falseness, you would turn from your 
evil ways, and flee the devil, and love God. 

" We cannot explain God's spirit, neither can we explain our 
own state of being, further than to say that your state is an im- 
perfect ideality of what ours is in reality, casting out your 
troublesome flesh, and all appertaining thereto. Feel satisfied 
that the angels can come and give when all are willing to receive, 
The means are great ; but, by your obstinacy, the way is small ; 
and we are grieved that ye will not hearken. 

" I was a foolish and wicked devil in the sight of my Saviour's 
love supreme as shown by his passion. Through suffering neg- 
lect and misunderstanding I was led astray, as the presumers of 
religion are prone to do. Oh ! that the bankruptcy of religion 
were at hand, and only Christ and God's love were the banner to 
herald the people. I am ever your loving friend, 

"James Kelly." 

This was evidently written with great earnestness ; 
and at its close the editor said : — 

I believe in God and Christ's love. 

" 0, my God ! that is the perfection of all things." 

[Change of control.] "Little "Lucy. My mother is not 
the " [Break.] 

[Change.] " Heavenly Lucy is not here. She has gone to 
God. Mollie." 

Then followed the communication given on page 182 ; 
after which the name Lucy appeared again, and the com- 
munication inserted on page 189 was written. 



208 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

The editor then called for the spirit of his departed 
friend, Amasa J; May, and in a few minutes, but with 
some apparent difficulty, at first, it was written : — 

" I am Amasa May. Blest is he who knows and believes 
that the love of God abides in your hearts through all eternity. 
T was a spiritualist, but a poor comprehender of God's majesty 
and glorious progressions. You are privileged people to have 
the future discerned in your minds ere the brightness of heaven, 
or the sorrows of hell, affect you to an astounding degree. If 
you all would be sincere and perfect people, offend no man ; but 
be kind and loving to every soul made for a hereafter, which 
must be selected while you are upon earth. Imagine how much 
you might save, if you could teach mankind the truth and love 
of God, their Creator. They would then be justly punished, if 
their state hereafter were not congenial. Alas! God is the 
judge, and a saving one at that, as I have truly found. My 
friends are all of my own selecting ; and happy am I that we are 
a circle of faithful workers for God's kingdom. 

" I will further say, you can do much by your station in life 
for the people's light, and much may be added to your soul's 
happy and living rapture. Oh ! I pray you, proceed with grate- 
ful pleasure, and fear not. Bless you all evermore. 

" Amasa May." 

The editor then said : " I thank you for this mes- 
sage; " to which it was responded : — 

"Don't say that I am here to be thanked. It is only a grate- 
ful pleasure, and great help for our cause of truth." 

A change of control then took place, and the name 
Little Charlie appeared, followed by a communication 
in a different style altogether, which will be found on 
page 193. This was followed by a communication from 
the editor's brother Frederick, whose communications 
have been almost daily : — 

" Frederick Kiddle [called] — I am always glad to hear you 
call me, but do not wish to annoy your minds. Blessings I give 
when all is granted me by your prayers for your safety." 

You mean prayers for God's aid. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 209 

" You are riglit, Henry. How much you are doing for the 
life before you ! Be fervent in your onward paths, as already 
begun ; and all will be for the benefit of many souls, including 
most of all your own. Fear not that the devil is at work. The 
God of all truth is greater than the universe itself ; and when 
he protects it is with a mighty will power. Frederick is near 
you often, and sees you in your humble living with perfect 
pleasure. Amen. " 

Then followed the communication, written without a 
call, from the spirit of Henry J. Raymond, given on 
page 132. 

The editor then asked, " Are any other of our spirit 
friends with us ? " and in response the following was 
written : — 

" Oh ! I am John Hecker. — Well, dear old friend, I am sur- 
rounded with brightness, and happy to pour my sympathies 
upon paper ; for your kindness toward me I well remember ; 
also that you may know the reality and perfection of the life of 
the soul, kept in bondage while in the world of dark under- 
standing. Perhaps, you are able to send the news abroad, as you 
and I have done in many things. At least, do not hesitate to 
venture so great and mighty a cause to the kingdom of God, 
which must be made perfect before the uniting of all love be 
converted into eternal gladness. Be not desirous of proper 
gifts, when God is the riglit and truth of your mind ; and delay 
not ; for while life is short and time is fleeting, God and his 
works are enduring past eternity. 

" John Hecker, in eternal sympathy." 

[Change of control.] " William Belden."— 

is it William Belden, Jr. ? 

"Yes, dear friend. I am with my father in a mode of living 
such as the angels only can comprehend. I send you, with the 
rest of our circle of love, a bright prospect to help you on re- 
joicing ; and fear nothing ; such workings can only be rewarded 
With a bright crown of glory. Amen." 

Then came a complete change of control ; and the 
spirit of Dr. Robert Watts, the editor's family physi- 



210 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

cian for many years previous to his decease, and much 
respected and beloved by all the family circle, came 
manifesting the same jocose and kindly nature that had 
characterized him in life. His many friends in the med- 
ical world may, perhaps, recognize these traits, unless 
in the usual spirit of materialistic skepticism and pro- 
fessional assurance, they do not condemn the editor and 
all associated with him in these investigations to the 
friendly asylum for the imbecile or insane. But there 
are those in the glorious profession to which the 
lamented Dr. Watts belonged, and in which he labored 
so faithfully and with so much self-devotion, whose spir- 
itual and intellectual vision is not blinded by scientific 
bigotry ; and to all such this book is commended, with 
the suggestion for the others that there is, really and 
truly, an asylum for the spiritually blind, which they 
will surely enter, in God's time, and in which they will 
be effectually cured. 

The spirit of our beloved doctor on this occasion,* 
wrote as follows : — - 

"Fellow of R. A. M.f and Robert Watts. — I am a wicked 
sprite, you will fully see ; nevertheless, you will know my in- 
tentions are good, no matter how much I may swerve from 
seriousness. I amuse my spiritual friends while they are at 
their funeral works about these places. Long I do to show you 
that nature never changes her conditions and influences which 
she receives while in the earth, except that we are all more or 
less purified by the intercourse which surrounds us on every 
side. My Grod ! that I should be anything but a simple fool 
would be impossible ! ! Forgive me, and bless you in the heal- 
ing stream of heavenly redemption." 

This was the last of this remarkable series of com- 

* He had written previously (August 29). 

t It would seem from this that the doctor was a Free Mason. Whether 
this was so or not, the editor does not know. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 211 

munications, all written at one sitting of about two 
hours ; and the editor will ask the skeptical reader to 
consider whence these could have emanated, as only him- 
self and the medium were present. Certainly he did 
not compose them, for he sat with interested but p >as - 
sive mind, receiving what came ; and just as certainly 
the medium did not, as all the circumstances most fully 
proved. Indeed, the impromptu composition of such a 
series of writings, with such changes and adaptations to 
the characters presented, would imply a degree of crea- 
tive mental power that scarcely a Shakespeare would 
be capable of exercising. 

The first communication of Dr. Watts, written Au- 
gust 29, is here presented : — 

[Dr. Watts called.] " I am by the side of you, Henry Kiddle, 
looking with old curiosity upon you, that I may be the physi- 
cian of your soul's searching, as I was of your body many a 
long time, in the presence of your wife's anxiety and watchful 
care. [Then came a professional joke. J I have not changed, 
you will see, but am a jocose and friendly-seeming M. D., with 
the light of Heaven to assist my healing properties toward the 
perfection of perfection. 

" Lead on, dear friends. I will say ever be the earnest doers 
of God's beneficence. I am a foolish spirit in Jieavenly lore ; 
but, forgive me, I mean well, and wish you prosperity roward 
God's home of the soul. I am at rest, but am not weary of rest. 

"Robert Watts." 
On the evening of the first of January, 1879, the 
spirit of Dr. Watts again communicated, spontaneously 
on his own part and unexpectedly on ours. A portion 
only of the first communication is given : — 

" Henry Kiddle, it is with much pleasure I come to greet you 
this new year. 1 remember well about this time twelve years 
ago I received from your hand a ticket of prize.* 1 am now 

* This was at first unintelligible ; but on looking over hia account book, 






212 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

in your heart with great interest, and I feel every pulse with 
the angel's time-piece. I am expecting a call from the angels 
on high, with whom I go to the sick in the sky ; but never a 
fear can I have here, for all is well when God is nigh, and help 
cometh in time. 

" I am the spirit of your faithful watcher, 

"Robert Watts." 
The editor said : — " Little did either of us think that 
we should at some time be talking together across the 
' great gulf.' " 

"It is indeed a surprise, but a great privilege which few un- 
derstand." 

Bid you know anything of Spiritualism while on earth? 

" Very little, except from the insight which a dying spirit may 
have given me. " 

How shall we ever make the skeptical M. B.'s of this lime 
understand the existence of the soul and its immortality ? Please 
write them a message. 

"lam Robert Watts, the M. D, of a few years in the earth. 
I followed my profession of love with love. I was a stumbling 
block in the way of many others, and often to myself, through 
my neglect of the teachings of my profession. I was a man 
who meant well, and acted purely, from the abiding instinct of 
love, but with waywardness. I taught the blind leaders to 
believe that the rules of medicine are the law of the Lord x and 
the dissection of a man nothing more than the duty of a high 
calling ; and so it is, if God be with the dissector. But he him- 
self is weak ; and God is the spirit, my friends, of the profes- 
sion, who should have your regard, and then you need never 
afflict your hearts with care, while he is your aim. Strike out 
from the shoulder to pierce your own unbelieving hearts ; and 
then you will know how to be wise. 

the editor found that on February, 1867, he paid Dr. Watts by check a bill for 
services rendered to himself and family for a- considerable period ; for the 
Doctor was very negligent as to his bills and accounts. Thus it was about 
twelve years ago, that what he is pleased to call a " ticket of prize " was re- 
ceived No one present knew anything of this incident ; indeed, the editor 
himself had forgotten it. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 213 

" 1 love all Of you in the profession of love ; but One is now 
my physician, one who truly heals. R. W." 

The preparation of this book, to undertake which the 
spirits had several times urged the editor, was finally 
commenced about the 1st of November, 1878; and on 
the 6th of that month the following communications 
were written without a call, through the medium, and 
addressed to herself:— 

"J. Kelly." [Is it old Mr. Kelly?] ''Yes; I am James 
Kelly. Oh ! tell me if your father's book is progressing ; for it 
must be a success. I hope he will push it along FAST. God 
is losing his angels ; and, for the sake of Christ, do not be tardy. 
Always your old friend, J. Kelly." 

" John Hecker'S congratulations on the beginning of the 
millennium ; also upon your father's determined perseverance in 
his new character. Until death, John Hecker's immortal spirit 
to the spirit of Henry Kiddle, in the flesh of MORTAL." 

" Oh ! I am the friend of your father, and 1 am happy to see 
that he is placing his light in the glare of the solstice, and not 
under a busheL James W. Gerard." 

" 1 beg you to dictate to your father a noble book, which will 
profit the world, and enhance the safety of every soul upon the 
earth. I am only your loving uncle, Frederick Kiddle. " 

To this was added the following, purporting to come 
from the spirit of Mozart, who had written before. (See 
page 82.) It may here be said, for the sake of explana- 
tion, that the medium is a remarkably fine pianist. 

" Mozart [name written in peculiar characters]. I will 
never forsake my little girl, for I was your captive. Hold on 
to the blessings of God, and I can foresee a bright heavenly home, 
and tuneful harps to accord with the harmonies of your soul. 
1 am a lover of your heart's tuneful melody. 

" Mozart is near you at the harpsichord; and you need not 
fear the righteous spirit, of a melodical turn, of your renowned 
friend, Mozart." 

Besides these, communications were written from two 



214 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

other spirits. These it is not necessary to insert here. 
All make a series of five spirits communicating, and 
in the course of a few minutes. Only a younger brother 
of the medium, a lad of about sixteen, was present at the 
time; and the medium was almost compelled to write 
by the strong influence — magnetic, apparently, — operat- 
ing upon her. Many other series of messages of a simi- 
lar character have been written at various times. The 
following, written Nov. 24, 1878, were peculiar, as pre- 
senting in a striking manner the separate individualities 
communicating, — in the mode of writing, as to style, 
rapidity, and force. Moreover, all except the last were 
written by the boy medium. The effect upon the minds 
of those present was most startling. 

(1) "Your dear brother Frederic [Kiddle] is here to write a 
few lines to you, and the rest who wish to hear from him. " 

(2) " Your dear brother Charles [Weismann] is here also, to 
write a few lines for you and all who feel disposed to hear from 
me." 

(3) " Mollie is here too, and wishes to see the right inclination 
in all your hearts. Mollie greets you, and will, by the will of 
God, say (or write) a few lines for your good. Others are here 
and many." 

(4) " Milly is here now, and wishes to give a very pleasant 
greeting to you all ; but there must be the right spirit among 
you, or else it will give an opening to evil spirits. 

" Amelia Mary W ." 

(5) " I am Ezekiel W , and I will greet you all, and say 

more further on ; for others, far' better than I, are trying to 
write. Be sure it is I, my wife." 

(6) [Very rapid] " Milly McN is here too, to write to you, 

with many others ; but I will give a happy greeting to you all. 
But be sure to have the right and GOOD inclination, for other 
and better spirits are trying to write." 

(7) " Charlie Wilson [the spirit of a lad, a deceased friend of 
the editor's young sons] is here, and greets you all. I am, and 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 215 

always was, a friend to you. I have only a few words to say, 
for another friend wants to write." 

(8) "Charlie Hillman [another lad] is here at Charles's re- 
quest. I died suddenly, but sure of a happy home, and set apart, 
like others, for me. Others are here, too. Amen." 

At this point, the other medium entered the room, 
when it was immediately written : 

(9) " Mollie is here, and greets Emma ; for she said she de- 
sired a greeting. All the others greet her through me, 

" Mollie Kiddle." 

(10) [With very great force and rapidity.] "Judge [Ed- 
monds] is here now, and wishes to write ; but others are here 
to write. I will write again." 

(11) " Shakespeare [name written three times] is here now, 
and greets you all, for the will of God permits me to write to 
you ; but others are here too/' 

(12) " George Washington is here now, and also Christo- 
pher Columbus ; and we greet you all now. Another spirit 
is here." 

(13) "Abraham Lincoln [name repeatedj is here too ; and 
that is all. Amen, Amen ! " 

All these spirits had communicated, some frequently, 
previous to this occasion; but the reader can imagine 
the surprise and delight with which the name of the 
martyred Lincoln was seen ; and it must be borne in 
mind that every name was written without a call, and, 
as far as the editor knows, without the expectation or 
thought of any one of those present; and that the 
circle* included only the members of the family. 

After the name of Lincoln appeared, the editor said, 
" We should be very glad to receive a communication 



* The word is used in the ordinary sense. There is no circle, at any of these 
writings, except that those present sit. and attend to what is going on, OS 
they would on any ordinary occasion. There is no joining of hands or any of 
the other paraphernalia of spirit seances. The spirits appear to be a part of 
our company, and come and accost us as other visitants, except that they are 
invisible to our mortal eyes. 



216 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

from Mr. Lincoln ; " and the pencil was passed from the 
hand of the boy medium, through whom up to this time 
all the messages had been given, to that of Mrs. Weis- 
man; and immediately were written the beautiful com- 
munications inserted on pages 83, 84, 

The following is inserted here on account of its sug- 
gestiveness in a religious point of view. The person to 
whom it was addressed — a man of very pure and exem- 
plary character, and a very dear friend of the editor's 
— is a Roman Catholic in his religious belief; and the 
messages purported to come from his sister and mother. 

(Aug. 2, 1878.] Is Miss K A, here? 

" Miss E. A. is here." 

Will you write a message for your brother f 

" Ok ! certainly, I will do all that I possibly can to teach him 
his soul's immortality. 

" Bless you, my dear brother. For the love of your God, see 
the truth of the world to come. Do not hesitate ,• alas J do not 
fear, in that I say you must seek the right way to heaven. Give 
up, I pray you, all false notions about your Saviour's passion. 
It was for the love of your soul's immortal home. Share the 
delightful feelings of your sister in her abode above you. She 
will gladly go to meet you, when your life is given to its Source. 
Heaven send you his light, and all will be well ! ! !" 

Mr. A. said, " My sister died a Catholic ;" and the 
editor said, " Are you still a Gatholie ? " The response, 
written with tremendous force, was : — 

" You must not say Catholic ; you must say CHRISTIAN." 

Are any other of my relatives here ? 

"Yes; ALL." 

Will my mother speak to me? 

** Heaven bless you, my dear Samuel. Heaven will teach you 
many things which you, like many others, are too slow to 
believe ; and I say this with my heartfelt sorrow, for much of 
the regret of your life to come could, NO doubt be saved, if a 
right understanding of God and his prophets could be obtained 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 217 

through Spiritualism, which all must learn before their judg- 
ment is secured. For God's sake see that I am your mother. " 

These communications, like all others bearing in any 
way upon religious distinctions of denominationalism or 
creedal belief, are given just as they came ; and the 
reader must draw his own conclusions from them. 

On the 6th of October, the same spirit wrote again as 
follows : — 

"In God's name, dear brother, I come again, with your per- 
mission, and for the progress of your soul's satisfaction. I can 
do better now ; and I am glad, — in rapture, indeed, I may say, 
to behold you in the presence of true light and understanding. 
Fearful lest you may fall into error, I will say that the kingdom 
of God is really the only true kingdom, notwithstanding you 
may have good enthronement outside the celestial world ;* yet 
we are all the same, flesh and spirit, and all will come to the 
same passport of God's true creating. Well, now to reach that 
goal of happy endurance and contentment, I would say only, be 
good, kind, loving, and faithful people, doing good and dispens- 
ing charities, in the possibilities of your power, as you are prone 
to do always. It really is but a moment, and all are in one fel- 
lowship in holy communion. No creeds, no nationalities, no self- 
ish motives, no following the devil here ; but only true accep- 
tability by God in Christ ; and through his protection we are 
given a blessed rest. So be faithful unto the end, and tell the 
news of the New Jerusalem to all his people ; and then the 
angels of bright rapture will aid you, and meet you in a blessed 
union of hope." 

The following written on the same occasion are also 
deserving of a careful consideration. Richard Valiant, 
with whom the editor had a slight but very pleasant ac- 
quaintance, was a noble man, of great spiritual insight, 
whose heart turned to the right with as true an in- 
stinct as the needle points to the pole. He had given 



* That is, probably, may enjoy happiness iu spheres below " God's King- 
dom," which is the highest sphere of all. 



218 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

great attention to Spiritualism, and was well versed in 
its literature. On the occasion referred to, it was said : — - 

With God's permission, will R. Valiant speak to his sister? 

"Yes, yes; of course. If God be willing, I will offer you 
my searchings of the spirit. Experience is a wonderful thing ; 
and as much as we know, it is really very little to be esteemed 
after all. God is the powerful Monarch, and only through him 
can we ever hope for salvation. I am Richard Valiant, your 
brother in the love of God ; and I descend to you for the pleas- 
ure of this hopeful intercourse, that we may find a foretaste of 
the rapture of a meeting in the spirit's longing. That you may 
recognize me better, I will say that I died at the age of forty - 
eight years ; and by the side of your holy mother I stand in the 
purified state to which God alone has cleansed me. Forever de- 
sist from following the Jesuistical laws ; and the fellowship of 
the Virgin, though given to the blest, does nothing toward the 
transport of true calling. Forever I am watching you in the 
pleasure of trust and obedience. Richard Vallant." 

Some remarks were then made in regard to the adora- 
tion of the Virgin, when the following was written : — 

' ' Hauffe. Only be desirous that your inward feelings seek 
God in all things." 

She means worship God only ; and if you invoke the Virgin, 
or any other created spirit, do it only through God, and with his 
permission. Is that right ? 

"YES." 

Is Richard Vallant still here f 

" Yes, truly ;.here, and always ready, with God's permission." 

Is your mother with you f 

"Mother is an angel, with the blest of heaven ; and we are 
all so fervently happy in the judgment of God, that we would 
not wish to be on earth again — no, not an instant Although 
our lives were not in the true accord with these holy teachings, 
yet our measure of grain is the fullness of the wheat ; and as 
we are seeking the high steps of onward glory, so we are work- 
ing for the Gospel truths to be the foundation of all true living. 
"Affectionately, R. Vallant." 

The following communications from various spirits 






SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 219 

are presented as affording still further illustrations of 
facts embodied in those already given : — 

(1) From Mrs. M. to her friend Mrs. K. [Oct. 13.] 

[Name written with difficulty.] " Bless me by your prayers " 

[Prayer offered.] Are you happy f 

' ' Yes ; I am more than satisfied to find so much loveliness in 
this world of future glory. Although I did not consider myself 
a wicked woman, I certainly knew I was very imperfect in many 
ways. God is indeed above us all, and I hope he will always be 
able to descend into your hearts. I never thought I could ap- 
proach my friends after death ; but I am only too happy to say 
that it is my great joy to be able to do so ; and it gives me 
great pleasure to have you think of me. Indeed, I cannot tell 
you how glad and happy it makes me. If I could send any 
message to my family, I should be blest forever, being fearful 
lest they may lose courage in their earthly duties. They, dear 
creatures, are doing so well ! Hattie is an angel of mercy 
upon the earthly ground ; and I shall greet her, God ! with 
rapture. Endure all that happens upon the earth with happy 
resignation. God will soon come, and then you will open your 
eyes upon the spiritual world. Many, many friends await you 
with so much longing ! It gives us, however, no pain to see 
you here on earth ; for life is so short compared with the here- 
after. Only be patient, and God will be justified. Much more I 
might say, but I bless you, and will come again. 

-Mrs. M ." 

This communication was broken off by the arrival of 
visitors; but, on the 27th of October, the same spirit 
came again, and wrote the following : — 

Mrs. M [name written]. As I promised, I have come 

again, not from duty bound, but because you are kind to remem- 
ber an old friend, who was not much given to spiritual concerns 
in the flesh. But, my dear friend, the final deliverance of death 
sets us upon a new life in a new sphere, and with a memory 
fresh as the dew upon the flowers. If that memory were all as 
God could look upon without shuddering, nothing would be bet- 
ter than heaven to any soul. But I am sorry that my own living 
refused to satisfy myself; and God, who suffers much has en- 



220 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

dured my Bins with too much patience. Blessings too many I 
have received, and I am removed from sin's stain through 
Christ's passion. May heaven be kind to you, and ever sho\V 
you the knowledge between right and wrong. 

" I am Mrs. M.'s spirit hovering above you, but perhaps much 
below yours in the heavenly classification, to which all must 
come, each in his own shoes. Mine Were large, like myself ; 
but there was room for much goodness still. Blessings upon 
my children. Happy I should be to hold an intercourse with 
them ; but, forgive them, they would not understand — so weak 
and blinded is their belief now. Ever yours Mrs. M." 

And again, on the 15th of December, the same spirit 
wrote :— 

"My dear friend, I see you clearly, although I am to your 
sight obscured by your fleshly existence. I do not pretend to 
offer you a word of advice ; for I was a poor sort of a striving 
creature, trying to live a life through, and having many trials to 
bear, and blessings given me through them all. At last I find 
a release from work to affect my body and care to trouble my 
mind. Oh ! it is a rapture to feel no inconvenience from any 
outward existence. You will understand my meaning when I 
say, freedom is my heaven. I am with a great family of God's 
children. Please assist me to come to the earth ; for my duty 
is plain, that I must do all the good that I can. And I hope to 
succeed in many ways, as well as in the strength which God 
will grant me, if I ask him. I do not feel much strength to 
fight with outside affairs as yet ; for my sudden transition has 
taken me too far away, in the space of an instant, for me to 
realize fully my life above. But I am proving myself an en- 
lightened spirit now, growing in the experiences of my spirit 
life. So farewell, my faithful friend. I am only the poor but 
honest woman, Mtts. M — — ." 

FROM THE SPIRIT OF A JEWESS. 
[Oct. 18, 1878.] " Dear son, heaven is here for all who ask 
for God's mighty power to help them on their way to this life 
in the future ; for, be assured, that I come from thence by God's 
permission, and for my own pleasure. Does not the Bible say, 
do good to all men, and never forsake the poor ? I also have 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 221 

tli is as 1117 motto, to urge me on toward the state of good and 
holy living. Unless God be a liar (Heaven pardon the thought !) 
we shall all, every soul, both Jew and Christian, meet together 
in the band of Christian fellowship. Forget not, dear son, the 
counsel of an aged mother, whose father was an idolatrous hea- 
then in the family bond. Through mysticism, are the people of 
God's love led astray from the fold ; but God, the Perfect, in- 
tends to create you anew, and make you whole through your 
righteous service. May God ever defend you all in a sound 
family. Both the living and the dead echo the cry to all man- 
kind : Rejoice, for the kingdom of God is at hand ! 

" Your well-remembered mother, S. B." 

FROM THE SPIRIT OF A. T. STEWART. 
The following communication was written about the 
time of the excitement occasioned by the rifling of the 
vault of A. T. Stewart, and the carrying away of his re- 
mains. Mr. L. F. Weismann called the spirit, with no 
view, however, to ascertain the hiding-place of the re- 
mains ; for his experience in this subject enabled him to 
know that the spirit probably knew no more about the 
matter than any embodied spirit on the face of the 
earth. Spirits do not (usually, at least, if ever) see ma- 
terial objects. When the spirit of Madame Hauffe was 
asked if she saw what was written, she replied : — " I 
cannot see what I write. I can only see the effect of 
what I tell you. Unless you act upon our sayings, we 
cannot see them." It was then said : " Do you not see 
our bodies ? " and the answer was : " Oh ! oh ! I do not 
think of them — your souls."* Divination and necro- 

* On another occasion, a spirit mother manifested great anxiety in regard 
to her children on earth ; and the editor, who was present, said : " Can yon 
not see them as they are ?" The answer was, " I am not a privileged spirit." 
" Can you see us ?" was asked. "Yes; the medium is present." It would 
seem, therefore, that the spirit sees only spirit, whether in the flesh or in a 
disembodied state. In answer to the question, " Can a spirit always see us ? " 
Judge Edmonds replied: "Heaven sees at all times ; but the spirit is not 
always able to see the life of a living body.' 1 



222 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

mancy are forbidden arts, simply because they encourage 
superstition, and the laying aside of our proper faculties 
to rely upon the information given by the spirits of the 
departed; but the good spirits return to this mortal 
scene to do men good by teaching them to love God 
and to expect a happy future beyond the portals of the 
tomb, not to talk about earthly things ; and just as re- 
ligious truth is valuable, so are these communications 
valuable to those who receive them, aiding them to 
worship their glorious Maker, " in spirit and in truth." 

A. T. Stewart [called.] ''• You are very kind to call for the 
despised millionaire, led astray through ignorance and blind 
folly. In the name of justice, avenge me the outrageous on- 
slaught upon a few bones of a former life. That it matters not 
to me now " where the dead bury their dead," you may well 
see. Stewart." 

Then, in a remarkable manner, spirit friends inter- 
vened, to warn the interrogator against seeking for- 
bidden knowledge ; and it was written : — 

' ' Linger not with eager eyes upon the tempting goal of money. 
— F. K., your friend around your path. I can tell you that 
the remains of A. T. S. are under the ground, where the light of 
the sun cannot affect their dissolution." 

There was no thought on, my part to obtain knowledge of that 
kind. I trust I know better the object of this intercourse. 

" Many warm congratulations upon your belief. Further not 
the world's follies, but help the people from their folly. Disin- 
ter the lining from their grave, and never mind the dead or dy- 
ing. W. B." 

[To A. T. S.] Are you in a good or a bad state ? 

' ' A little between those two states, bordering upon the dis- 
quietude of a spirit not yet gone to its true home. I fully com- 
prehend that I am a meager specter in the spirit life — having 
been, while on earth, wantonly neglectful of many upright 
duties. Alas ! Alas ! " 

Tote have probably learned that your spiritual advancement 
will depend upon your aiding others. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 223 

" That is soon to be discovered, in this new life of learning, 
in its true meaning. 

"My dear friends in the Christian universe, send all your 
efforts abroad in the heavenly direction — not for the vanities of 
earthly existence. Defend and protect the poor and friendless ; 
enlighten the erring ; analyze the motives of your lives ; and 
comprehend the Lord as he liveth ! Many I hope to convert, if 
the life of a spirit has the calm judgment of a past experience 
to show him how to benefit the world he has left in darkness. 
O God ! that the work were sure ! A. T. S." 

The tone of feeling, as is obvious, is that of sadness 
and deep regret for having done so little to benefit the 
world, and with the vast means God placed in his power. 
FROM THE SPIRIT OF DR. F. W. HUNT. 
Dr. Hunt, with whom the editor had a long but not 
intimate, personal acquaintance, died Oct. 20th, 1878 ; 
and, at a family sitting, held on the 27th of that month, 
four days after his funeral, the editor asked for a com- 
munication from him, with the following result: — 

"Dr. Hunt. — I cannot see my way to express my feelings in 
this manner. My time in eternity is short, but happy. Thank 
God, it is not all a dream ! My Christ — my haven — is found, 
and I am, I feel, in a purer atmosphere. Not that I can ever 
reach my full height of living; but I shall certainly never be in 
the state of unprogressed spirits. Further the ways of coming 
back to past reminiscences, and you will do a happy work. Death 
is a weary state, after which you are awakened to the rapture of 
angels flying, a^ it were, to meet you. How we neglect the true 
understanding of things in life ! ! " 
Have you found your ideas of Spiritualism correct ? 
" Oh ! my ideas were in a feverish state,* and I am coming to 
the earth again with regrets. But never believe that God neg- 
lects your soul's eternity ; and fear not, dear friend, my vision 

* The editor had spoken to him on several occasions on the subject ; and 
found that, from his medical and other experience, he believed in the spirit 
world and the possibilities of intercourse therewith. Like many others, 
however, liis ideas were, as he says, in a M feverish" or unsettled state. 



224 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

of truth supplies me with light ; hut I must certainly thank you 
for the remembrance of a calling, and the parting tear you shed 
over my bier."* 

Were you present, then, at your funeral t 

" Yes ; foolish it seemed to me." 

Why foolish? 

" A poor piece of clay to be put in the ground ! But I remem- 
ber that my friends were not in sympathy with me, and I was an 
outcast to them. Alas ! the deluded people ! They kindly con- 
descended to come to my funeral, although I had nothing to give 
in return ! "f 

lam glad to hear from you, and shall he pleased to talk again 
with you at some other time. 

" Whenever you desire it, if God is willing/' 

FKOM THE SPIRIT OF JAMES CUSHING. 
[Oct. 30, 1878.] " James Cushing.f In the bond of life I 

* The editor attended his funeral a few days before this was written ; but 
neither the medium nor any other person present, except the editor himself, 
knew anything of the circumstances referred to. It should be said, also, 
that the medium was not acquainted with the Doctor. 

t A short time after this singularly interesting communication was writ- 
ten, the editor was made aware of the state of things connected with the 
Doctor's sad life on earth, to which he so pointedly refers, by seeing the fol- 
lowing in theiV. Y. Daily Times (Nov. 14, 1878) :— 

SAD FATE OP A PROFESSOR. 
AS TOLD LAST NIGHT AT THE HOMEOPATHIC COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 

It was a sad story of secret suffering and privation that Dr. F. Seeger 
recounted in his broken English to the members of the Homeopathic Med- 
ical Society, at their meeting last night. Dr. Prof. Franklin Whitehead 
Hunt died on Sunday, Oct. 20, at No. 230 East Fifty-ninth street, in the six- 
ty-eighth year of his age. He WTote and edited numerous works of high 
rank in medical literature, and died so poor that the $135 necessary to bury 
him decently had to be advanced hy a brother practitioner. Of this amount 
$85 has been refunded by voluntary subscription, and last night a commit- 
tee was appointed to raise the funds for a headstone to his grave. Resolu- 
tions of condolence with his family were passed. 

After reading this, it does truly appear that he was an "outcast" to his 
friends. The editor of this work having no social acquaintance with Dr. 
Hunt, never visited him at his home. He prized his acquaintance, however, 
for the sweetness of his simplicity, and the richness of his stores of infor- 
mation. 

% James Cushing was connected with the Public Schools of the City of 
New York for some years, first as Ward Trustee, subsequently as a member 
of the Board of Education, to which he was appointed a second time by 
Mayor Havemeyer in 1873, under the new organization of the Board which 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 225 

come, for I was a school teacher, or properly a school officer. 
[H. K. nodded assent.] Thank you. Perhaps you will remem- 
ber me ; for I offer you my congratulations that you are on so 
high a pedestal of heavenly insight — glorious ! Ever proceed 
upon the true path. I long to come to every soul in the dark- 
ness of superstition and bigotry ; for I think God will show, 
through these writings, that he is the Sovereign Ruler of every 
heart and body, enlisted, as it were, in this future army, in the 
province of heaven. That all things may be as prescribed by 
Heaven, this is as it should be ; for were it otherwise, would 
you not all be in haste for the avenger death f Would your 
patience wait for the Saviour's calling ? Indeed, I think not. 
So God does not unveil his righteous judgment until each, in 
his own day, seeks his Saviour's door. Open, you will say ; 
and Christ will bid you enter with joy upon your face. Oh ! 
grieve not for anything but your own folly, and ask permission 
of God to teach this everlasting sealing of his work upon earth. 
Offend not, but be courteous to all ; and the light of your souls 
will burn with the intense desire and love ordained by God, the 
Just. Only a spirit can understand God's province of love ; but 
thanks be to him ! you will know, in a short time ; and, with 
the patience of penitent mortals, you will feel that your rest is 

secured. Probably this will meet the eyes of — , who is a 

weak man to throw this light into the regions of obscurity ; and 

I will say to him that his 's spirit is not a blank ; but that 

an ever- watching knowledge of his doings possesses my heart ; 
and not always do his actions satisfy me, much less GOD. 

" Dear Mr. K., I am glad to see you under heavenly auspices. 
Was not the time of our experience a little out of this path? 
Were not the contrivers of peace a trifle backward in their fond 
and loving intercourse ? However, do you not remember past 
grievances with a holy horror ? But the j ust, no matter who they 
are, or pretend to be, are on earth often deprived of their rights. 

" Earnestly I wish to seal this with my seal of learning and 



took place in that year. His death occurred quite suddenly in the summer of 
that year, while he was still quite a young man. He was highly esteemed 
by all who knew him for his sterling integrity and fine social qualities. Tho 
editor knew him well, and held him in ereat esteem. 



226 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

living above ; and with a blessing from a just man, I come to 
the Justice. Amen." 

FROM THE SPIRIT OF RICHARD WARREN". 

The following is presented as a companion piece to 
the above, as coming from the spirit of another member 
of the Board of Education. He manifested quite un- 
expectedly, writing his first name, Richard, but making 
abortive efforts to impress upon the medium's mind his 
second name. The editor soon recognized it as a mes- 
sage from his old acquaintance Richard Warren, The 
communication was as follows (Dec. 1, 1878) : — 

" My dear Mr. Kiddle, I believe in the communion of saints, 
as I find you do also, or have every reason to affirm that you do. 
I am in a glorious state of existence now. Much more could 
not be desired, except that I find I am very weak in spiritual 
knowledge, and am ashamed to show myself, or my weakness, 
which is the same to me, for that and myself are never apart. 
I can see that you are doing a mighty work, and one that God 
will bless you for, and not permit you to suffer for the iniquities 
of bad living. And then again, you will appreciate what a 
spirit's life is, and by this gain much toward redemption's call- 
ing. I am, as you know, a poor sort of a person in every way, 
and, God knows, with not much to be proud of by any one ; for 
I was a pretending sort of a person toward many, and all with- 
out a farthing to bless myself with bayond death's door. But I 
find it matters not so much what a man lives in as what he per- 
forms for good. I, alas ! was not a prosperous person according 
to any proper standard ; and yet already I am deserving of dis- 
tinction with God, for I look back with sorrow upon the lives 
of many, and myself particularly, the darkest of any in my sta- 
tion. What can you expect of a man in poverty and nakedness 
but despair? And such is the state of many on earth and in 
heaven. I bless you, Henry Kiddle, and meet you with rare 
happiness. Your friend in the Board, 

"Richard Warren." 

On the 2d of March, the editor received a further 
communication from the same spirit. He asked for a 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 227 

confirmation of the previous message, and it was writ- 
ten : — 

" Richard Warren. — Yes. You are correct." 

Do you icish to say anything else? 

"No, no. I am not gifted in any way — quite similar to my 
earthly state of mind as to knowledge ; but experience lias taught 
me much, yea, too much to repeat to you, my friend. I was not 
diligent in good actions. I was not near God, in harmony of 
thought with him, and was often far, far away from sacrifice 
and thanksgiving. But the Lord has blessed me with unspeak- 
able joys, notwithstanding my faults ; and I am striving to 
overcome my shortcomings. Alas I they must all be cancelled 
by pain for their wickedness. 

" Good night, dear friend. I bid you farewell. I thank you 
for the remembrance, and speak to you with pleasure. Ask 
God to help you ; and may you be successful in these undertak- 
ings of truth. Amen. 

" In health I was in the Board ; but sickness took ma away, 
and away, and away. God prosper you, again I say. and all the 
kingdom of Christ. Richard Warren." 

FROM THE SPIRIT OF JAMES W. GERARD. 

The following was written in the presence of the edi- 
tor and two ladies — teachers well acquainted with Mr. 
Gerard while on earth, as an officer of the public schools, 
to w T hich he devoted himself for many years. 

" James W. Gerard. — Well, my dear friends, have you 
indeed remembered an old man of very stupid appearance, ap- 
pearing upon your scenes of living, and intruding himself upon 
all occasions of mirth and jollity connected with your depart- 
ment, and mine, I am happy to say, in my time. Fondly I look 
upon you here, and also in your several vocations, as I think 
you are in the happy condition of faithful teachers, and are the 
noble elevators of the soul's learning. I suppose you will not 
refuse a little poor advice, given you from the bottom of a heart 
of plentiful feeling toward every soul's happiness. Not willing- 
ly did I go to my rest. Perhaps I was a vain and foolish MAN ; 
now I am almost the same, except that I comprehend my weak 



228 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATION'S, 

and frail abiding with you here. Thankful I am, and blest too. 
to see that I can at last he true to myself ; for was I not some- 
what false in this respect upon earth with you ? However, I 
truly meant well, and happy I am now to say to you again, all 
is WELL with me in God's kingdom.* But forever is life a 
living progress, and I am in the march of time with you all. 
" I am ever, as ever, sincerely, J. W. G." 

One of the persons present said, we thank you for 
this message, to which it was responded : — 

" Bless you, I am never in a mood to be thanked ; but. I feci 
grateful for your recognition." 

FROM THE SPIRIT OF REBECCA W. 

" Rebecca W [name written with difficulty]. I am a 

spirit, and I am glad to come. I have never found the way be- 
fore now, and I cannot tell how I must use the medium. I bless 
her, for it makes me happy to show you that my spirit is near 
yours when you desire it, and when God wills it so. I am an aged 
woman, as you remember. Now my spirit is no longer encased 
in an old BODY, but bears me on where I wish to go, only I am 
sorry that I did not see more of this when I was living on earth, 
for I was not a good-natured woman, but only weak and foolish. 
Believe me, I am very sorry if I have displeased you or any one 
while here, for I am a spirit now, and I see how wrong it is to 
give way to the devil. I was seventy-four years old. I am go- 
ing now, but will always be the same. When you wish me, I 
will come. With my love to you all, I am 

" Rebecca W " 

VARIOUS COMMUNICATIONS FROM JUDGE EDMONDS. 

Several very interesting, forcible, and eloquent com- 
munications emanating from the spirit of Judge Ed- 
monds have already been presented. He has indeed 
manifested the greatest interest during nearly the en- 
tire period of this remarkable experience, and has strong- 
ly urged, with others, the giving of these communications 
to the world. The following appear to the editor too 

* Quoting the words of his previous communication. (See page 46 ) 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 229 

important to be withheld. On the 20th of October, 
before this work was commenced, the following inter- 
esting conversation occurred between the editor and 
the spirit referred to : — 

" Oh ! please send us good inclinations. Believe me, you are 
a blest person, and we are helping to prepare your heart for a 
better state, where love toward God and his creatures never 
dies, nor ever fails to prove a living source of pleasure. Per- 
mit us to come to you, with fervency and true inward rapture, 
for the salvation of souls. O God ! the intensity of your feel- 
ings should make you weep — should make you grieve, as only 
the fonl and loving parent would feel (and you yourself know 
how he feels) to lose his darling child through neglect — only 
neglect! ! It is true, only the just can see God ; but I firmly 
believe he intends to redeem all human souls for his glorifica- 
tion ; but that you may perfectly know him, he will use your 
own conscience for the right and wrong living of your soul. Is 
not this a glorious choosing, left to your own inward voices ? 
How great a privilege ! O, God be blest ! I feel that the soul 
of a Christian is more than the universe itself, which is nothing 
in comparison with the poor benighted men of a lost kingdom. 

" Plainly I would show to man that his conscience is given to 
him by God, as the inward means of insight to show him his 
future destiny — a beacon-light to lead him up where all is pure 
— where all is goodness of goodness. Blessings from God I 
may give you, with the sanctification of a spirit's breath, and with 
the interests of a million of souls in your hands for heavenly 
direction. I am your upward-lifting friend, 

"Judge Edmonds." 

The editor expressed the deepest interest in the com- 
munications, and a strong desire and earnest purpose to 
advance the cause as presented by the spirits. 

" Oh ! many thanks ! For your encouragement is certainly a 
heavenly dawning for us, and I may also say for yourselves ; 
for where is the man that God forsakes for his goodness ? Where 
is the flower that misses his care supreme ? Where is the sun- 
light that never fades ? Answer these simple questions, and 



230 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

you can f urtlier tell me where is the soul that knows no awaken- 
ing." 

Can, you offer any explicit advice as to the manner of giving 
these communications to the world ? 

" I should say, give them in a combined simplicity, stating the 
true facts of all the knowledge of the subject you possess, and 
illustrating the work by holy specimens such as these that are 
sent. But, forgive me, you have no time to lose. God is wait- 
ing for your holy attack upon the misinterpretations of his 
word. Blest word of God ! how perverted you are to the sight 
of the world ! ! That God should be so falsified must awaken 
your hearts to earnest work. That the world will hearken to 
the Truth is, indeed, too heavenly a fact to be believed by the 
angels. Can you not say, * A man is destined to the everlasting 
punishment of death, unless God is in him — unless he work for 
his redemption ? ' For his sake do good ; lay aside your vani- 
ties. He that hath, let him give to him that hath not. Make 
your own beds by your own efforts. Set the world, which is off 
its guard, right ; place it upon the threshold of Truth. Firmly 
I believe that God must be forsaking his people, if their hearts 
be not affected by such teachings. Must we also tell you that 
God's Book should never be more than a means of religious in- 
sight to God's home? Revelations such as are contained in 
these writings are certainly nearer your own times of thinking. 
Were the people as bigoted then as now ? I say, never could 
there be more wickedness than in the present generation. Even 
the torturers of the Inquisition were not so bad ; for they felt 
in duty bound, while now life is merely a song of free indul- 
gence and pleasant fun. By the grace of God, it will be better, 
and blest by sincere well-doing for a thousand generations. 
Spirits are no more a set of liars, but are tests of God's reality, 
and of the truth of his redemption. Amen." 

What do you mean by spirits being a "set of liars"? 

" I mean as they were known in the time of Jesus." 

Evil spirits, obsessing persons, as demoniacs^ etc. ? 

"YES." 

You had considerable experience while on earth of the perverse 
Wmdness of mankind. 

« Poor souls ! ! " 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 231 

Canyon give us any light from your standpoint, as to the true 
office performed by Jesus, called by theologians the atonement 1 
" Yes, perhaps I may succeed, if the medium is very passive. 
" On account of the degeneracy of the Jews, did Jesus come 
to enlighten the Gentiles — to teach them wisely to love God, in 
truth and sincerity ; furthermore, to show them how a MAN 
may suffer when the salvation of the world is at stake. Alas ! 
such supreme endurance was ordained by God in the calling of 
Jesus — blessed name ! — as the physician of souls. Indeed, the 
reality is a perfect cure, through Christ's atonement ; and the 
Lord is a loving Judge by the sign of so true an interpreter 
of a heavenly future in the living of a nature like your own ; 
but sustained, by praying with all the intensity of the soul, 
through every trial of temptation, and relieved from the weight 
of oin by entire resignation. So that I may say, the precepts of 
Christ are a sure means of spiritual teaching — and the guide to 
a life of goodness, besides being a blessed foundation for faith 
in himself. May I say, that Christ is waiting at the door of 
heaven with the resignation of a defeated hero upon his brow ? 
Alas ! Alas ! ! " 
Have you ever been in the presence of Christ? 
" Yes ; to feel it, but not as I would wish, and as I hope." 
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, 
and the Word was God." How do you interpret that f 

" God is the beginning and the end, as he says, by the Word 
of inspiration." 

Was not the Christ nature, as an attribute of the Deity, 
coeval with God, but incarnate in Jesus? 
'•Yes ; that is the truth." 

A question was asked in regard to the expression, 
"Jesus at the door," etc., seeming to imply that Christ 
is not in heaven : — 

" He is a created spirit fit to sit with God." 
The following was then written in regard to a person 
who contended for the doctrine that " the soul between 
death and the resurrection is in a state of unconscious 
sleep": — 



232 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

" By the grace of God, I will fulfill my mission. That man 
will probably never see the fondness of God, but stick to his own 
interpretations of the nature of God and his workings. Such 
is, indeed, a sad mistake ; and I would ask God to furnish him 
with the means of egress out of his blindness. I see his mean- 
ing is not as the word of God directs, but is in direct opposition 
to the life of which it teaches. To live is to die ; and to die is 
not to sleep, nor slumber, but to awaken to higher work, to help 
the world. Indeed, do you suppose the world is entirely void of 
meaning, and that only the Lord is in heaven ? I say, the day 
is at hand for the judgment of you all. Neither sleep in your 
mind's understanding, nor in your coffins, but raise yourselves, 
by God's assistance, to the light of heaven, and to the bright- 
ness of a beautiful inspiration. Never vainly say in your hearts, 
' There is no God.' To your sorrow, you may find it too late to 
regain your footing ; and the gate of eternity may open upon 
you unawares. Find the love that abides for all time ; and 
trust God, who never sleeps ; for your bed will not be one of 
roses, unless you make it such for yourselves, by living noble 
lives, like the blest in heaven." 

The following is a portion of a subsequent commu- 
nication from the same spirit [Oct. 24] : — 

" Formerly the Jews were the chosen. Now, I say, ALL are 
the chosen and beloved people of God, and by the fruits of good 
or evil living will every soul be known — not DAMNED nor 
punished forever, but only made to feel that the promises of 
God are truly just, when he says, ' The Kingdom of Heaven is 
at hand,' and prepare ye for THIS. Amen. 

"Judge Edmonds." 

The following colloquy held [Nov. 8, 1878J with the 
same spirit, through the child medium, has many points 
of suggestive interest : — 

" Judge Edmonds is here now with blessings for all. Amen.' 

May I ask you a question or two ? 

" Do not ask any of too advanced a character. Remember the 
medium is but a child." 

i" have read recently of the surface of heaven, as being di- 
versified with mountains, rivers, lakes, etc. Is that so? 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 233 

" It cannot be seen with the material eye, but with the eye 
which God has placed in the spiritual face. It is said that the 
beauties of earth are but ashes, compared with the beauties of 
heaven. The earth is but a miniature model of heaven — or a 
step to the door. Heaven has all things that are in the earth, 
and more." 

Some of the spirits have spoken of Jupiter as being the finest 
of the planets or spheres. In what sense is this true f 

" It is the place which God has set apart as the top step to the 
door of his everlasting kingdom ; and therefore these spirits, 
knowing no other and seeing no better, call it the finest. Amen. " 

Have you ever been in Jupiter t 

"That is my state of spiritual life." 

Is it actually the planet Jupiter ? 

"I do not know." 

Why do you say it is Jupiter then ? 

" Because Christ has ordained it to be so ; and he told us the 
name by which it should be known ; but whether it is the 
planet Jupiter or not, I cannot say." 

When did (Jlirist tell you so ? 

" On my appearing before him, when I entered upon the spir- 
itual life." 

Is that ichat is meant by the "Day of Judgment ? " 

" The Judgment Day is when you are facing Christ in the 
number of sins which you have committed in this world ; and 
you are judged accordingly." 

Tliat is, on entering the spirit world, you appear before the tri- 
bunal of Christ ? 

" Yes, and then, on entering God's kingdom, there is the hap, 
piest judgment ever known. I suppose this to be the fact." 

You said in a previous communication, you had never seen 
Christ. Hoid then were you in his presence ? 

u Yes, yes ; so are you. You are facing him always. You do 
not yet understand the spiritual life." 

I am afraid I do not. 

" It is very, very deep. You will not fully understand it un- 
til you enter God's kingdom." 

Wlien is that ? 



234 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

" I do not know ; but I do know it is when you have passed 
through all the spheres which your sins require." 

We shall now have to close. 

"Very well. Your son is quite a medium — more so than I 
supposed. I have written through him, although I said he was 
too young* I still remain your everlasting friend, 

" Judge Edmonds." 

The following was written on the 1st of December, 
only the editor and the medium being present : — 

" Judge Edmonds. — 1 am blest in your presence. Please, 
allow me the opportunity to secure your heart's interest in a few 
heavenly remarks ; for whenever a man speaks in the power of 
his understanding, then shall his precepts in grace toward the 
human family he followed. I bless you fervently, dear friends 
and hopeful associates in the heavenly feast. I indeed feel 
grateful to God that he has opened a communication with us in 
your mind's upward existence, and that he affords us the right 
to increase your power to do good in the world. 

" I must say, the world, in its wild and unfruitful existence, 
is more in sympathy with the spirits fallen from the throne of 
mercy ; for you are now, beloved brethren and citizens, intoxi- 
cated with pomp and show, and saturated with envy, hatred, 
and malice toward God's creatures, who are by nature your 
brothers and sisters, be they poor or rich, humble, or proud in 
living or ancestry. I say, you are indeed upon the dreadful 
road to RUIN — to despair, or, if you will prefer this interpreta- 
tion, to unmistakable misery — in regard to the wants of the soul, 
the necessities of the spirit life, and in the loss of the greatest 
blessings that God can bestow. I repeat it, you will regret, 
with the anguish of demons, in the midst of a million plagues 
and tantalizing torments, cruelties, and inflictions — much worse 
than hell-fire or brimstone, such as you, heathens in lore, under- 
stand the subject. Pardon me, I may seem severe. Indeed, I 
mean to awaken you, if knowledge from the mouth of a spirit 
can affect your senses or touch your hearts, putting them in vi- 
bration with goodness, which is ever born with a mortal frame. 

* This was said in a communication written four months previously, 
through the elder medium. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 235 

For we are born of God, and of love in him, and are saved alone 
by bis grace. 

"Now, my dear friends, as well as the public in kind sym- 
pathy with you, view, on the other hand, the man who is guided 
in his life by sincerity, as the mariners are by the compass ; 
and, dear partakers of your Master's life and crown, take with 
him a firm stand-point — a rarity, I must say, at the present un- 
steady DAY — and all be generous toward one another. Forgive, 
and the Lord will blot out from your own vision the blackest 
living ; and be not vain of anything ; for are we not all in the 
Potter's hand? While we are in good care, we are to accept 
that care with feelings of veneration, and keep a true conscience 
toward mankind, ourselves, but above all, God Almighty. 

" May the heavens open with happiness to you all, is the hope 
and the prayer of your friend in the past, and the same also in 
the present, but in a changed form. Judge Edmonds." 

The following also contains some suggestive points : — 

[Dec. 8, 1878.]— "Judge Edmonds, in harmony with you, 
and I always hope to be." 

Will you write another communication t 

" Yes. I must begin by asking you to feel for a moment 
the immensity of the subject in hand, and the great importance 
of the result which we expect, or rather hope for. My inten- 
tion is to seek where I can awaken inquiry, and then with the 
earnestness of a judge, I push the question to a trial, be it for 
or against the case, and give, right and left, with all the force 
that God will bestow upon me ; for 1 am an individual in the 
bonds of restlessness and disquiet. Please do the same in your 
lives. First, show the world by the example you set that spirit- 
ualism is your safeguard and happiness ; and live such a life 
that the world will FEEL the goodness, as well as the pleasure 
you derive therefrom. Secondly, take the word spiritualism, 
and explain that, in itself, it means the loving communion of 
spirits, — not abominable hypocrisy and darkness, but bright 
light to guide you to the happy, happy pathway that leads to an 
existence of celestial companionship. Thirdly, I would tell the 
world that the devil rules in the United States and many other 
countries, waiting to take advantage of every misdeed and un- 



236 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATION'S. 

kindness. God does not, however, allow him to govern you in 
any way. You are your own governors, and by your own free 
will you choose good or evil — perfection or imperfection ; if 
goodness or perfection, then you will have glorious happiness 
in your change of life ; but if you are imperfect, or wayward, 
or bad, or revengeful, or villainous, or criminal, then you can- 
not approach God until you expiate your earthly pleasures, in 
the world where there are both good and evil spirits. 

' ' Think of a life of sin to be gazed at by a multitude of an 
gels, good and bad. Will you be satisfied to say Amen ! to that ? 
Alas ! methinks, you will strive to hide yourselves under your 
lies, if you can find a spot to escape to. But in this you will 
never succeed, for the eyes of the blind see there, and the pic- 
ture, as it were, which you present is one either of pleasure or 
disgust. 

" Forgive me ; but I am depicting a certain fact ; and with 
that dark picture compare my own state in which the just and 
upright man admires the wonders of God, and feels his love at 
every moment and in every action. 

" Farewell, dear friends, I am in a state of hope for you all. 

" Judge Edmonds." 

Again, on the 9th of December, the same spirit wrote 
with still more earnestness, as follows : — 

" My dear friends, the public, in charity toward you and all 
mankind, I feel as if my heart, in the spirit of a benefactor of hu- 
manity, would break the bonds of holy awe, and stand forth in 
the form of a mortal to clothe your minds with the idea of im- 
mortality. It is with the utmost effort that I can reach a man's 
understanding at all, so bigoted are you with the wrong inter- 
pretations of those placed over you as the teachers of the Great 
Master ; namely, the reverend ministers and holy priests of 
witchcraft, as it were ; for do they not bewitch the minds of 
their hearers with falsity ? Have they more light than you 
yourselves have ? Have they the inspiration of God ? I say, 
with truth and firmness, nay ! Neither have they deeper feel- 
ings of love toward Christ, or greater charity toward mankind. 
Break off such bondage, and begin first at home to present an 
example of peace and good will toward the world. Love one an- 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 237 

other. Cast out your abominations. Leave off your wild fol- 
lies. Taste of true joys, and desire everlasting pleasures, which, 
I affirm, will always fall to the lot of the good man or woman. 
Be good to the poor, in your own humility. Never permit an- 
other to do your good works ; for oftentimes the heart is will- 
ing, but the flesh is subject to many temptations, more than you 
know of. Then, dear friends, with prayer always upon your 
lips, either in grateful thanksgiving, or for humble blessings, 
and in resignation to the Lord's high will, you will gain your 
day through a clear conscience toward God and man ; and you 
will be among the happiest saints in communion with God. I 
say, God bless you, and assist you to reach it. Amen. 

" Judge Edmonds." 

The following, from the same, addressed to the edi- 
tor, was written Dec. 22d, at the close of other com- 
munications : — 

"Judge Edmonds, in the command of a spirit's instinct, 
to pen these lines for your future strength. I am interested in 
all good that comes from the spirit of a man, and I am the pen- 
sioner of God's kindness. It is with great esteem that I meet 
you ; and it is with the great power which you produce that I 
can meet the trials of the occasion ; and I am, in a great many 
Ways, hoping to produce great results by your most gracious 
help for God's kingdom. Alas ! do not fail ! Be particular to 
give a formula of happy and true events, with the great re- 
sources from your experience, and a bright example, by your 
living therefrom. 

" I can linger around you forever ; but you will be called on 
high in the revolution of time, and we can then truly harmon- 
ize our feelings, and survey the perfect state of bright, fulfill- 
ment. Be patient, and go on to everlasting joy. . J. E." 

The sitting on this occasion had been a great success, 
some very beautiful and forcible communications hav- 
ing been written. The other spirits, who afterwards 
wrote brief messages seemed to be very jubilant. Com- 
munications from several of the editor's departed friends 



238 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

were written ; among them, the following from John 
Hecker : — 

" John Hecker. — You will not push me aside,* when I am 
in rapture to speak with you once more, and I trust soon forever. 

" Please bear me in mind as a friend who has flown to the 
skies, there remaining with the freedom of a bird, and with the 
treasures that come from a great God spirit, from whom we 
grow. 

" Please do me the favor to write my name in your Book of 
Hope, and mention me as the man who passed from the earth to 
the summer land of flowers, but who on earth bore the prints of 
many flours. In jest, J. Heckek." 

This was followed by brief, familiar and jocose com- 
munications from J. W. Gerard and William Belden, 
Sr., ending with the following from William Belden, 
Jr. :— 

" William. Belden, the smaller, who is given to speak by 
your great distinction. I am happy to think that I can name a 
few links that are growing unto God's homes in the regions of 
peace. Produce the love of truth in the hearts of men, and re- 
member your friend, William Belden, Jr." 

The above will illustrate the naturalness of the life 
beyond our own, the true nature of which, however, 
cannot be explained so as to be comprehended by us, 
dwelling in the nether sphere. Those who have received 
these communications have repressed all unlawful curi- 
osity to realize in our conception this glorious state of 
existence. Sufficient for us to know that our loving 
Father " doeth all things well ; " and we shall ever be 
satisfied with what he provideth for us in those mansions 
above, the existence of which has been, by this heavenly 
evangel, placed beyond the shadow of a doubt. 

* The editor supposed that no further communications were to be received 
at that time ; but the medium was impressed to continue the writing. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 239 

To strengthen still farther the impression intended to 
be made by this work, the following are presented : — 

[Dec. 19, 1878 — James K s (deceased about eleven years) 

called, in order that he might write to his widow, who was pre- 
sent.] 

" James K S, by the grace of God [written with some 

difficulty, when the following appeared] : — 

<: Mollie will bless you, spirit." 

[Then was written] : — 

" I am James K s, who desires to make his spirit's 

presence shown in your midst. I can see that my earthly part 
[his wife] is with you here. I am grateful to you for the op- 
portunity of coming, and I hope you will do a good service in 
bringing me to my dear one. 

" My dear wife, I am your husband as ever, only changed in 
form according to the permission, I may say the benediction, of 
God to his creatures. I am happy, and I am with the boy who 
found his life through you, and who is now abiding with God, 
and growing in love and goodness to all — both spirits and men. 
I wish you would not worry about me, for I can see you in all 
your anxieties, and I can hope for your great happiness, in a 
brief time ; and it will be a joyous meeting for us all — God ! 
such a meeting, three of us in a happy spot! You, dear wife, 
are a creature of God's choice, and need never have a thought 
or a fear, or a tear of regret. You are TRUE, and KIND. I 
think you will understand and see that I am what I AM, — a 
spirit who comes to you to assure you of a life and a treasure 
(your boy) who is in bright existence above. Oh ! how shall I 
affect your heart ? Oh ! what can I do for your sight ? Oh ! 
will you never enjoy your life as you are, and trust God to the 
end? Believe me, your husband, that I will meet you with the 
love of a thousand tongues upon my lips for you. I will show 
you worlds of joy ; and I will bless you forever now by the 

great love which God has shown me, and will also give to you. 
"Remember me as I was, for such I am to you now, only 

heightened by a pure existence. I am, in impatience, your 

loving James K s, forever in God" 

His wife remarked : " Can my husband be happy 



240 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

while I am in trouble ? - 1 to which the following appro- 
priate, and indeed beautiful, answer was given : — 

' ' Yes ; why not ? Is it not God that ordains it for your per- 
fection ? And, while it is his command, it will give you a reap- 
ing of greater joy — 0, much greater— than he who knows no 
trial ! " 

Then followed a communication from the son, given 
on page 195. 

The following intercourse occurred through the me- 
diumship of the editor's little son. The facts and circum- 
stances referred to, all perfectly correct, were entirely 
unknown to him, except that a few of them had been 
casually referred to in his presence. The communica- 
tions were from the spirit of J. H. A., who formerly 
was well known to some of the family, 

[To the editor's spirit daughterj : — Can you bring J. A. ? 
u Yes ; as I have said before, I can bring any one who will 
hear my voice of calling for him." 

This was written in a small delicate hand, after which 
there occurred a great change in the mode of holding 
the pencil — and the writing became large, heavy, and 
irregular. The following colloquy was held with the 
spirit ; — 

* ' I am J. A., brought here by a call. I will do your will. 

"J. A , by the grace which has been given to me by 

Almighty GOD, " 

Will you write to your wife f 

*' Oh ] she is a good woman, and she is preparing herself for 
her life to come." 

Do you wish to send 7ier a message ? 

" Yes ; I told her to keep herself from the ways of Johnny, 
my son, and not to pay any attention to any of his money mat- 
ters, She has had many advisers, but she has heeded none. 

' ; Do not ask anymore about earthly matters, for DEVILS will 
come, and make believe that good spirits are writing, while they 
themselves are devils.' 1 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 241 

Are you happy? 

" Yes ; but would be more so, if my own children bad fol- 
lowed my example." 

Did you find yourself in a happy sphere on your decease ? 

" Quite so ; but have risen higher." 

Will you write a message to your son ? 

" my dear, dear son, oh ! oh ! how happy I should be, if I 
could once see you traveling the right path of life ; but I am 
sorry to say you are following too much the desires of your own 
heart. Oh ! if you could have but a particle of the light 
which has been given to this family, whom you know well, you 
would find the ways of your Creator better than those of your 
tormentor, the devil. Oh ! Johnny, Johnny, if you could but 
understand the grief you cause me when I look into your heart, 
and find the door open to the devil, and closed to God ! I do 
not say you are a bad boy ; but you are heedless and a spend- 
thrift, wanting everything you set your eyes upon. See, see 
what sorrow you have caused your own dear mother, who will 
not be with you long, and whom you will finally reduce to pen- 
ury. Take my advice, and begin a new life. I am your father, 
" John H. A , by the will of God." 

The middle letter of the name was written with dif- 
ficulty, and the spirit said : — 

" I forget my own name, for spirits are known by their char- 
acters." 

On the 23d of December, the same spirit wrote again 
through the other medium, to the same effect; and again 
on the 8th of January following, he addressed a former 
intimate lady friend of his family as follows : — 

[Name written.] " Remember old days of by-gone times, and 
help me to express my feelings by your sympathy with my 
spirit's situation. I am not a familiar spirit in the world, hav- 
ing written only twice before this, and that with much diffi- 
culty to express my thoughts through this great and heavenly 

channel. It is just as you suppose, my dear , all glorious 

above the elevation of sin, and everlasting is the sunshine of 
peace with God's spirits, fruitful in benefaction to the earth. 



242 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

May everybody soon feel this great assistance toward a good 
end. Alas ! I was not in the heavenly way, as yon are ; for it 
did not strike me to search out such a fact. The Bible was my 
only means of insight for strength, and that a feeble one in my 
eyes. But I see now. Oh ! that my wife had better sight to 
see the truth through me ! How can I imbue her heart with 
peace? Look for her, LIB.* Ask her to call me often ; and I 
will be there to speak, but in spirit form. Be ready to die, for- 
it is no sorrow to the man who walks uprightly, and justly, and 
kindly, and patiently for all. Lib, I love you, in the hope of 
soon speaking to you in happiness. Be with my family, that 
the truth of a father may illumine them with faith and trust. 
Be diligent, and never forsake any one in trouble. It will be 
your reward. Amen. J. H. A ." 

The following is from the spirit of a lady well known 
in the school circles of former times. The message most 
strikingly illustrates her peculiar style of speaking. She 
came at the call of the editor's wife. 

"Elizabeth Lindon— My DEAR Mrs. KIDDLE, I am so 
happy. [Writing very peculiar.] Please always remember, 
that I was a strong woman in body and mind, but a weak one in 
the use of a PEN. We do not use pens here, but see each other 
in the melody of signs and sighs. 

' ' I wish to ask you to remember how many times I used to 
call upon you, and always with the most enjoyable felicity pos- 
sible to conceive. It gives me the most enviable pleasure to 
express myself here to your minds, for I am in no way remark- 
ably changed, except in form, which is beyond your conception, 
as you will imagine. 

" My Almighty Creator is the terrific judge of all misguided 
people ; but to me, although never a marvelously gifted woman, 
God has given abundant grace, superseding my fallible deserts 
in the existence upon your sphere. I am with spirits of kin- 

* This was the familiar name by which he used to designate the person to 
whom this communication was addressed ; and the spirit, as a further test 
of his presence, especiallj r emphasized it, underscoring it at least ten times. 
All these little incidents are useful in affording additional proof of the au- 
thenticity of these spirit writings to skeptical or unbelieving minds. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS, 243 

dred felicities and aspirations of an elevated and ennobling range 
of character. Of course, I have done things which, in my 
prayers, I always said I wished I had not done ; but I, indeed, 
wished no mortal any harm to befall him, in any conceivable 
way. So the Lord has blotted out many misdeeds, some from 
an accidental or misdirected intention ; and, indeed, I am now 
with great hope urging my spirit to prepare for higher glories 
of transcendental magnificence, more inconceivable to me. 

" Will you engrave me upon the tablet of your memory, and 
never disdain to repeat, in sympathy of heart, poor, old, and 
heavily-laden Elizabeth Lindon." 

The following will also be recognized by very many 
in the higher social, literary, and educational circles of 
by-gone years. The editor knew the writer of this 
communication well, and ever regarded him with es- 
teem and affection. He was the first of the school su- 
perintendents of this city : — 
" William L. Stone, Sr." [Writing very rapid.] 
Will you write a brief message to instruct mankind f 
" Oh ! it will give me a pleasure I could give my life for — to 
speak for a soul, to help a soul, to elevate a soul ! O most mer- 
ciful Father, grant that the souls of men may appreciate, or at 
least understand, thy wonders — thy love and the workings of 
it ! That at last they may be together in one communion of 
saints ; in one final home. And, kind Father, grant that for- 
giveness which comes to a faithful follower of the Lamb ! Then 
the spirits in heaven will pray and watch, and beg the Interces- 
sor to cancel the unrighteousness of your lives, and will en- 
deavor to help you up ; as will the spirit of your friend, and 
svery man's friend in the followship with saints, I am eternally 
yours by the bond and tie of nature. Your brother in God, 

"Wm. L. Stone. Sr., a worker." 
Will you speak of education, in ichich you took so active an 
interest in life? 

"Education is a virtue; but edification will give a greater 
charm and harmony in after life. I should certainly be a co- 
worker in harmony with education. But cast aside your sects 



244 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

and denominations. Why, men, ye are all born of one Parent } 
and he is the Father of you all, and near you all forever. JSo 
you need not afflict yourselves with discomfort of heart in any 
regard whatever. Pray, and seek a perfect rest by following 
the precepts of Christ, not in mockery but insincerity ; and you 
will be fit to associate with the Upper Ten in heaven. I love to 
teach God's love and truth ; so you do, I see. Farewell. I go 
to my home. Wm, L. Stone, Sr." 

The following is from a noted teacher and scholar of 
this city, an intimate friend of the editor's :— 

"James N. McElligott.— Henry Kiddle, I am. on high. 1 
remember old times, my old friend, and all past associations, to- 
gether with your genial face in many ' strange stories. ' I fix 
my spirit upon you now with such benign regard, that I could 
soften a heart of stone with my delight and sympathy, I have 
grown into a riper sensation of good, and I feel gifted with many 
hearty welcomes. Pray remember Father [the medium could not 
clearly get the impression of the name], He was our genial 
forerunner in many school-room experiences ; and I shall never 
forget the pastimes with which we interspersed teaching and 
other accomplishments, etc., etc. 

" God is above mankind ; but he does not disdain to acknowl- 
edge his own, as the world often does. He will never fail you, 
my friend ; but will give you encouragement in your trials from 
the indifference of mankind, and their incapacity, or lack of 
character, to appreciate your gifts. 

" In glory on high we shall meet again, Henry K. ; and that, 
my friend, in the reign of our devoted friend and heavenly 
Protector, God, the genius of us all ; and blessings from him 1 
ask for your purity. 

" Earnestly walking in paths of light, 1 continue, until my 
Guide's fair hand shall say, ' Come up higher.' 

" J. N. McElligott, a friend always." 

Is it Father McKeen to ichorn you refer ? 

"Yes. Well done!" 

Will Mr. Me Keen, if present, speak of the old times t 

"Joseph McKeen.— 0, yes ! Welladay ! Let by-gones be 
by-goncs. Btit to remember jovial times it becomes us all ; and, 






SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 245 

indeed, we feel tlie old times as if full upon us ; and we trust 
that our good and kind friend will be a long, long follower in 
the happy cause of education, and the still better work of phi- 
lanthropy to the world at large. 

■ ' My light of earth has faded ; but I have a more beautiful 
.right now to guide me on ; and with great thankfulness I ac- 
cept niy conditions. A spirit is a spirit, and not a person; but 
he who personates him calls back his former characteristics ; and 
the gift, I may say, cometh not to all, and he is blessed who re- 
ceiveth it. Go on, I entreat you, and accept the ties of spirit 
sympathy from us all. 

" Fervently, and with great respect- and sympathy, ever in 
love to you, J. McKeen."* 

The following from the spirit of a lady for years prin- 
cipal of one of the public schools was addressed to the 
editor's wife, who knew her well. It was written witli- 
out a call. Her peculiar traits of character will be rec- 
ognized by her friends : — 

" My dear friend, I am your friend of long ago. Years are 
flying, and I have come to the end of my time. God has searched 
my heart with great kindness, and I receive blessings without 
number. Remember, Carkie H e," 

How did you know you could icrite through Emma? 

" Oh ! I can see this very clearly." 

Are you tcith your parents ? 

" Xot always. We are where we would wish to be. Remem- 
ber there is no limit to our country's expanse. I appreciate this 
well ; for to me life had little space for roaming. Prisons are 
not here except you have prepared yourself for such a dismal 
place. Remember the days we were together in broad fields, of 
great brightness, such as we have here all the time.f Teach- 
ing I still do, but now it seems to me a reward, not a punish- 

* A noted teacher in the City of New York, and for several years Superin- 
tendent of the puhlic schools, lie departed from earth in 185(5, in which 
year the editor succeeded him as A<sistant Superintendent of BChools. 

t This appears to refer to a pleasant sojourn at the same hotel with her, 03 
file shore of the beautiful lake Mahopac, many years ago. 



246 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

ment. It is greatly to be sought for — this place of harmony ; 
and I feel great bliss. Home was not known to me well since 
mother went away from us, and I now feel really happy to be 
able to see her. Long, long I wait for you to come ; but the time 
is for God, and he will do best. Greatly I respect your angelic 
sympathy ; and it gives me strength to come to you now. Safe 
you are in God's care. Taste of the joys of heaven. 

[Another person entered the room.] " My dear and esteemed 
friend, to me you were always kind, doing every possible thing 
for my assistance. Do you suppose I forget it now ? No, in- 
deed. He that doeth so well is never forgotten by God or man. 
Remember, it is but a step to die ; and this, with your great 
heart's feeling, will take all doubts away from you. I find you 
greatly esteemed everywhere •, and may the spirit of a woman re- 
peat to you, a noble man, that you are deserving of great respect? 
May the Lord find you good and ready, and bless you and your 
family forever and ever. Amen. 

" I am affected at seeing you now, and can scarcely say enough 
to you ; but I am thankful to be able to say so little. 
"Your friend, I hope not forgotten, 

" Caroline II as."* 

The editor then said : — 

If Mr. II. is here, I should be glad to hear from him. 

" How you gratify an old man's desires ! I am glad to come. 
It makes me feel young again, yea, almost like a boy, to see you 
again. I am in great need, and it fills my spirit with pleasure. 
The old man was pretty well worn out, and went home to his 
rest without much regret ; for life had been pretty well com- 
pleted ; but, my friend, not with pure actions only — no, indeed. 
Many, many foolish deeds and petty- trials gave me discourage- 
ment, instead of pushing me on to higher things. But school 
is a busy place for everything ; and, in the market, I held the 
first price. Longer, I suppose, I should have staid, but the fe- 
lonious death of a paralytic took me suddenly out of my own 
control. God be praised ! I am relieved and gratified with 

* The editor inserts this communication rxac'Jy as written. He had known 
Miss H. for more than a quarter of a century, and esteemed her for her many 
virtues. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 247 

reasoning- powers now worthy of a monarch, and without being 
weakened by use. 

" I remember our days of intercourse very often, and with the 
hope of a renewal of it ; for it elevates the soul to find a sym^ 
pathetic responded Seek more and more the cultivation of re- 
ligious truth, and help every one to the spirit land. We all 
look down upon you with blessings of ripeness and joy. 

" God bless you, my friend i I am, with respect as ever, your 
humble servant in God's home, Leonard H e." 

As an illustration of a very beautiful phase of this 
spirit communion, a family group is here presented. 
These messages were written at the request of relatives, 
present with the medium. The following, all differing 
in style of writing, mode of expression, etc., were given 
at one sitting of about one hour and a half: — 

M Milly McIT. — Milly loves you so much, dear aunts and 
uncle. I see you believe me. My home is so joyous, so bright 
and lovely — green and pure and radiant and luxuriant — so plen- 
teous in every blessing ! I am glad to see you here — O, so glad ! 
Can I tell you more to have you know my spirit loves you as in 
the flesh ? I am near you often, and God will bless you for your 
goodness in your life on earth. 

" Do well, uncle, I know that you will be the happiest man 
in spirit that God ever takes to himself. All our dear dead 
are living, and I am happy, and thank God more and more as I 
grow to the highest purity, which is my aim — the first seat in 
goodness. God bless you ] I will come again. I make room 
for others, and I know you will hearken to please 

** Milly McN." 

The next was written by a gifted member of this 
family — a man distinguished for his scientific and clas- 
sical attainments, his fine culture, and his skill as a 
teacher and lecturer. He died [in 1873] in early man- 
hood, after an eminently devoted service in the Normal 
College of this city. The editor — intimately acquaint- 



248 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

ed with him — had received, nine months previously, a 
brief communication from him : — 

" P. ML. R d. — O my ! so much to speak of. and a very 

poor way to express myself. My wife, — you are my wife now 
I feel it as ever, and I trust you will remember all the good 
qualities that I bore with you in the earth, and discard any un- 
pleasant associations that may have vexed us in life. Beauti- 
ful is the new creation. I tremble no more in weakness, but 
expand and rise in pure efforts to gain purity. All is not for- 
given, I may say. Shortcomings I feel at every step ; but O, I 
am so anxious to be a gifted spirit ! Blessings will gain me the 
day past all trials. So I am patient to wait until my time of 
expiation shall be ended, as my loving Judge shall disclose to 
me, even as the flowers open to show their interior beauty. 

"Dear, dear relatives, I weep with joy to see you now. God 
grant you may never know distress ; but if it come, thank God 
for it, for it will give you a higher position in the kingdom of 
your own adaptation, fitted for your aim ; and you will conquer. 

' ' Bless, my dear wife, our dear daughters, and grow more and 
more in the thoughts which lead to heaven. I love and bless you 
all eternally, and am, with our other dead, living and springing 
into higher steps. 

" Good night, all. Good night. We will all meet to ' know 
each other there.' 

"Your devoted, P. M. R d." 

Then followed a communication from his son, who 
died in infancy about fourteen years ago ; after which 
the following from another member of the family was 
written : — 

"Mary McN. — I hope yoa will allow me the privilege 
of expressing my spiritual cultivation to you. I do not give up 
my mental faculties here, but try them in many directions ; and 
I may say I find much more scope within myself to raise up ripe 
products of grace and felicity. 

" Dear and ever-abiding sisters, I think of the old, by-gone 
days with my spirit full of happy retrospection. Life is really 
a beautiful gift, and I hope you all appreciate it, as you will one 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 249 

day — the day wllioli comes to all. Do not fear the fatal step ; it will 
bring you into the pure realms where harmony and peace reign 
hand in hand. Cultivate and strengthen the world in goodness. 
It gives one pain to see them weak and going astray. 

"How happy I am to show you my presence — husband and 
wife. I come now with glory to cover you with blessings. May 
you never feel pain, and may you come to the vale where no 
sadness ever mars the heart of yourself. Blessings of love to 
you, sisters. M. McN., a lover." 

Then followed a brief message from her husband — ■ 
well known in the school circles of this city — who de- 
ceased in 1853 : — 

" Frank. — I rejoice. I am ever in happy scenes, given to 
me ; and with a great big heart open to God's grace. I work 
daily. O, the happy treasures which the Lord provides I You 
will know and feel them in good time. Do good, my friends, 
to all in the vale. Happy we are, Mary and myself. We go to 
teach, and by this we reap the pleasures which make our heav- 
en. Glory to Go 1 I I shout without cessation. Raptures lo 
you all ! I am, in great sympathy and affection, 

" Yours ever, Frank McN., from grace." 

A call was then made for a brother, James K. (died 
in manhood), and the incident related on page 201 oc- 
curred. 

The following beautiful messages were then written 
from the mother of the family, deceased many years 
ago:— 

" My dear, dear, and dearest children, it makes me weep and 
laugh to show you my spirit. I cannot begin to tell you the 
pleasure. May heaven so grow in your hearts upon the earth, 
that bright stores will be yours in heaven. God is fully just, 
and a magnificent spirit in all great and beneficent ways. 
Kindly ho will protect you always. Do not thrust him aside, 
but feel him near you ever, and a guiding-star which nothing 
can glimmer, or shade from your immortal eye-sight. I have 
so many pointing-stars here ! Indeed, my dear children, I'm 
praying you will be ready, when God calls, to choose, and ac- 



250 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

cept in full portion, all God's blessings. Remember your 
mother, who gave you birth ; for she it is who loves you BEST, 
in mortal power. Such love God gives with the blessing. Seek 
to know me as a mother ; and you will then feel me near as 
ever ; and God will shower you plenteously with joys, and a 
fertile life will give you a glorious union in spiritual spheres, 
where we are abiding the coming of our loved ones. Think not 
of sadness, but be and feel joyous in thanksgiving. Remember 
the past, and think ever of the happy meeting to come, and then 
no corrupt or evil thing will blight your home, — home ! a sacred 
word here as ever in the flesh, and indeed a better place to taste 
its joys. 

" The Lord of all heaven strengthen and prosper you to come 
to me. I am a spirit who has departed to its final rest, there to 
meet the purest angels. God deliver you, and sanctify this 
writing for your edification ! " 

Will you send a message to your husband f 
" Yes. I am wild to speak to him — my better half, who is 
fitting for glory. 

" God bless you, dear husband. I accept this great joy, and 
come to you. I will be with you soon, to take you to the land 
where spirits reign, and ever greet one another with bliss. All 
will be happy for us. Come to me, and do not fear. God is our 
most beautiful, and kind, and loving Saviour. He will give 
you strength always to bear the trial. We will soon be a hap- 
py, happy family. Your loving and lost wife in God's home. 

"Gh K." 
Many other series of messages of this kind could be 
presented ; but the space does not permit. The follow- 
ing from a noted personage was written March 2, 1879, 
without a call : — 

" Hobart Heller. My reputation has gone with myself ; 
but yours is growing, and will last. I was a spiritualist in the 
dark ; but you are open-minded, and open-handed too, and will 
gain a bright day. Alas ! the world is like a fool that throws 
down his bread upon the buttered side. You can scarcely, ex- 
cept with hail-stones and a whole battery of grace, redeem Is- 
rael, much less the race of Gentiles, who walk God's earth, with 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 251 

a flowery voice and a villainous * trick. ' All ! the tables are 
turned now. I've tricked too many not to see ' how it is my- 
self.' But, God forgive me ! I am what I am— and no worse. 
The blessing of God is more than I merit, and I shall attain an 
end with his help. Now my help cometh from on high. Alas i 
perhaps my own frailty succumbed to falser powers of demon 
control. But I go on without misconception ?iow, and I am free 
from every effort or constraint of folly or deceit. Bah ! It 
seems all a dream. I did not elevate their character, but (God 
forgive me !) I amused the people, and made a living for the 
humble man, bearing the name, in my sanctum sanctorum, of 
" R. Heller, a conjuror, but not now." 
The following was written by the medium, in about 
fifteen minutes, from the spirit of Charles Weismann, 
in response to the request of his brother that he would 
address his old comrades of the 7th Regiment, 1ST. Y. 
State Militia : — 

"Attention, comrades! Awake to freedom! Battle in the 
strife that conquers death. The enemy are near, yea, nearer 
than you desire, but not more in number than you can scatter 
and destroy. Fling aside the weapons of wrong, and bear with 
you the shield of right always. Be eternally steadfast in the 
truth, and deceive not — no, not even in the shadow of a thought ; 
but press on in your warfare, right and left, for good, and seek 
the height of your Captain — God, who gives you the word of 
command — Obey ! Shoulder your arms bravely, not with fear 
and trembling. He that doeth right feareth never. No ominous 
dread of defeat has he, — no trembling or drawing back ; for has 
he not the melting love of his Captain to cheer him on to victory ? 
Yes, yes ; certainly. Be humble, my comrades, in your march 
of life, receiving all things with happy thanksgiving ; and never 
falter when the battle of life seems to go against you ; for he 
that knows the tenor of a heavy fight will more truly appreciate 
his peaceful rest when the day is won, the enemy vanquished, 
and he himself the victor. 

" My dear comrades, let us, whether in peace or war, be united 
in perfect trust in our great, good, and kind Captain, God. 
Head your ranks with whom you may, you will find him the 



252 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

most satisfactory commander. No mistaken assaults will lie 
allow, if you, his men, fight with true courage. Let me repeat 
it to you, in the eyes of the world, ye are great men. Each 
company and rank has its title of honor. I have marched 
with you many and many a time. In the Sixth Company was 
my name enrolled. But time has passed, and I have gone 
where there are wide pathways leading to glorious victory. 
My fight was not finished on earth ; for I was not prepared to 
meet the enemy, Death, so soon (whether I should have been 
ready later, God knows) ; and so I lost the position which I 
should have gained in the army of the Lord, and had to equip 
myself cap-a-pie, and restore my spirit's strength. I languished 
at the thought of my weakness, and almost despaired of success. 
But the Lord heard my cries of distress, and sent his messen- 
gers to relieve my wants. And now I am promoted to be a 
private ; but soon I hope to be a leader, and in close compan- 
ionship with my Captain. 

" I beseech you, tarry not ; for the days are sure to bring you 
into the presence of your enemy, Death. Do not let him slay 
you, but overcome him with life. 

"In spirit, your brother of the Seventh, for the declaration of 
peace. Charles A. Weismann." 

That the reader may perceive that this work has been 
executed under the special care, dictation, and guar- 
dianship of the spirits themselves, the following addi- 
tional communications are presented : — 

[Jan. 3, 1879. J " Brother and sister — many — all are here, and 
you will receive in full measure, and with great satisfaction, for 
the strength of your cause, and our cause, and the cause of 
Truth, and the cause of the world, and the cause of God. 

" These are only the mites in a good work for you to perform 
with God's strength and might. You can do the work only 
with much faith, and great brightness of living to show all na- 
tions the footsteps of righteousness, and that therefrom will 
grow purity, and, with this, joy and happiness — the beginning 
of an insight into your future state — and bliss for the ever 
praiseworthy band of hopeful watchers. Be not weary or down- 
cast ; but elevate your souls (0, glorious word, full of meaning 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 253 

and trust ! ) to be prepared to find an abode in the harmonious 
resting-place where the clothing of gladness and love will fit you 
as well as if contrived by an artist for your utmost satisfaction. 
Bring with you the corresponding garments of grace, and adapt 
them all to one harmonious color of beauty ; and, in this way, 
God will be the gift of perfection which you will desire. 

" Being in a good course of action will keep you far, far above 
all reach of pollution ; and you will certainly never reap the 
whirlwind of despair ; nay, scarcely a desire will excite you into 
unrest, so peaceful will be your condition. Glory will shine 
around you ; and the angel friends of past and present, will 
clasp you in an embrace of endless affection, with glances of 
fervor, hope, and exultation. Milly, in ecstasy." 

[Jan. 16, 1879.] " Judge Edmonds— who sees well you 
will be like God's servants in Holy Writ, He will say unto you, 
' Go up higher/ and ' Well done, good and faithful servants ! ' 
If a man can profit from true sayings, so much sooner will he 
reach his perfect home in the clouds of glory, beyond a doubt. 
Do not hesitate ; for a moment lost here is, perhaps, a seeming 
eternity of loss in Christ's mansions of progression. J. E.*' 

In this connection, the following from the spirit wife 
of Judge Edmonds is interesting. It was addressed to 
the medium and her co-workers in this cause : — 

" Mrs. Edmonds, at the suggestion of your husband, will 
find a moment's bliss to inform you of the extent of this spirit 
intercourse, which is now agitating the world. It gives me 
great pleasure to see you go on in this satisfactory way. In 
much have you exceeded my husband's work of righteousness. 
In much greater protection and guardianship are you held than 
he ever was in his manifestations for good. He was left to his 
own commission ; but you are shown and led by thousands, who 
would not wish you to fail in a particle. Believe me, I am a 
woman fond and tried. I have had my life sealed by firm jus- 
tice, for which I most gratefully give thanks, with countless 
feelings of praise. I am in such an unexpected state of felicity. 
My dear ones almost all are here — all with the exception of my 
child Laura, who regards me always with holy awe, and as an 
intruder, which makes me feel a coldness toward her that I 



254 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

would in vain try to throw aside. But it is the commingling of 
love which creates the fullest of happiness, and in this gratifi- 
cation we are endowed with every power, in our heavenly abode 
— much beyond your earthly comprehension or expectation. 

" See then, dear friends in the union of God, how requisite it 
is for you to prepare your souls for a bright condition. Is it not 
a great ambition to see God ? Can a higher thought ever grow 
than that ? Yet our children do not look to us with greater con- 
fidence than we do to Him. Are they a greater care to us than 
we wish to be to God ? If so, we are wicked ; for God will as- 
sume every tie which we desire should bind ourselves to Him. 
No thought or word will escape God's glance of recognition or 
approval. Be the spirit of man dead in him or growing, he will 
all the same belong to God. It is for the good to point out to 
their fellow creatures the ways of the Evil One, with more love 
than does a father warn his children of their faults ; and each 
one of us should do his share. mortal care, we do not ap- 
preciate, until too late, the universal extent to which we should 
allow your sway in the help of mankind. Each is responsible 
for a thousand souls, together with the magnitude of his own 
sins. Remember this, my friends, Christ will receive you at 
the last in your own character ; then have it bright with love, 
and sanctified with goodness ; and then calm and peaceful will 
be your transition to happy and everlasting rest from all troub- 
les and adversities. 

"May the heavens open to you with boundless attractions, is 
the prayer from the heart of the feeble but enlightened spirit of 
Mrs. Edmonds, in communion of saintly intercourse and hope. " 

The editor next presents a very interesting series of 
communications, written, on the 23d of January last, 
from several of his spirit friends — once his relatives or 
friends on earth ; and if they could have entered the 
room where he sat, in visible presence, and conversed 
with him on earthly and heavenly topics, he could not 
have more fully realized their identity and actual pres- 
ence, than he did in receiving these written missives of 
undying love and friendship. As on many other occa- 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 255 

sions, no call was made, each communication coming 
spontaneously, and with no thought on the part of the 
editor or the medium, as to who would write. 

"Mollie sends her love, as usual, and her protection. For- 
hear to say anything to greet jour spirit friends. They are un- 
tiring in every instance, whether you are willing or otherwise. 

" Mollie, dear papa, by the permission of her Heavenly Fa- 
ther, in heaven. " 

[Change of control.] " Belden, Jr. — I hope you are happy 
in your work ;* for righteousness is great gain for yourself. 
Always be untiring, and seek the path that leads to Heaven's 
door of repentance. We are so happy to find that our messages 
are used with a moral purpose. Pray, be greatly satisfied that 
you have done well for God ; and leave time to show the light 
of our kingdom on high, and to open the way to a glorious re- 
demption on the heights of everlasting happiness. 

" May we meet to know each other here, and to praise the 
Lord forever to eternity. William Belden, Jk." 

[Change of control.] " Hecker is my name. I am born 
again, Henry Kiddle. I am a new being, and am regenerated, 
and given to the Author of my pre- existence. Every opportu- 
nity have I to do a good work ; and do you suppose I would be 
negligent? O, no ! Remember well, dear friend, the many 
happy moments we had on earth, and in the study of science, 
lending our hearts and talents to the work of education, and wise 
instruction. Thankful am I the Lord gave me so much to do 
for him, and many talents to help me perform my work. I did 
go astray in the matter of religion ; but, with all, I was not to- 
tally rebellious, and the Lord has given me more than I deserve ; 
and altogether I am overjoyed with my condition. My thought 
is instantaneously satisfied or explained. Many intimate friends 
are all around me ; and certainly everything is beautiful and vir- 
tuous, and holy, and God is always gracious. 

"Dear friend, persevere in the Lord's light. Go on, and do 

* Addressed to the editor and the medium, and referring to the messages 
obtained, and their compilation in this book. At every step, since the com- 
mencement of this work [Nov.l ] congratulations have been written from 
the spirit friends who prompted it four months previously. 



256 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

not forsake him. Books are written and re- written ; but the 
Lord is not always their designer, or the commender of their 
contents. Ask him to ordain a perfect result, and you will reap 
a harvest of inquirers for the Kingdom of God. Forever I wait 
for God's work to be finished, and all gathered to himself. 
Amen ! and great kindness for your remembrance. Hereafter 
we will meet. 

" In joy, I remain your warm and earnest friend, in spirit, 

"JoHtf Hecker." 

You say you went astray in religion. Did you not love God 
and Christ Ms Sonf 

" 0, yes ; all that in a poor way, for his work of love toward 
me. But I did not understand what is known by the mysteries 
of God ; for there really is nothing mysterious after all, when 
one can but faintly comprehend the workings of his Creator by 
the side of angels. Toward him I grow now with more and 
more of the fellowship of love ; and, finally, I shall be a Chris- 
tian indeed, and bear the cross of experience nobly and in truth. 
God bless you 1 J. H." 

[Change of Control.] " James W. Gerard.— Remembrance 
is a sweet thing to realize, and greatly I appreciate all such 
favors. Taste of eternal joys, my dear Mr. Kiddle ; you will 
then find your home beyond great and abounding in every joy. 
I see great things working for the pastures of our God, and 
wonder that the world is so unsophisticated in regard to the 
right precepts of life. If I had known I could reach so pure 
and satisfactory a rest, I should have been a most desirous per- 
son to ascend ; but life on the earth had many pleasures for me, 
and although an old man, I tried to push away my age, but was 
at last conquered by the destroyer of nations, and all to feel 
that their life was fruitless in works of love. But God is gen- 
erous, and he will show you your mistakes, and teach you bet- 
ter. Remember still that I am warmly disposed toward the 
planet earth, and will bid you an affectionate adieu now, asking 
to meet you again in regions of warmer and happier feelings. 

"J. W. Gerard." 
[Change of Control. ] " William Belden. [A joyful greet- 
ing. ] Not every one can appreciate true sympathy, and it makes 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 257 

lis almost weep in the transport of joy. Do you not feel it 
also ? " 

Yes, yes, indeed. 

" Tell my friends I remember them, and see them often, but 
with greater love and anxiety for them now (speaking spiritu- 
ally) than ever in my days of human existence ; for God gives 
us every instinct for good, and allows us to do our best for all." 

Then followed various messages from relatives and 
friends, closing with the following from Judge Ed- 
monds : — 

" The Judge is always in felicity to give you any benefit. 
Enlist yourselves further in the greatest cause on earth — saving 
your brethren from ignominy and derision. I find a great com- 
fort in telling my thoughts to you, for they are in attune with 
your comprehension and kind feelings. Pray, do not expect a 
perfect result from hard work, for all is not given at once ; nor 
can everything be realized until tha mind is prepared. First 
comes the glimmer, then the greater light ; and so it will be 
with you. I find you must take a greater margin of expectation 
for the fellowship of religionists, and not be solicitous for much 
outward expression of feeling. Inwardly, it may take root. 

" May the heavens always give you this hope of future life. 
I am, purely and without distinction or ambition of gain, your 
tried friend, Judge Edmonds." 

Very many other beautiful illustrations of the pure, 
affectionate, and elevated character of this spirit's com- 
munion could be here given, from the record kept by 
the editor ; but the space forbids, and this section is 
brought to a close by the following from this earnest 
inspirer and coadjutor, in part, of this spiritual enter- 
prise : — 

" Judge Edmonds. — My dear friends, I think you are con- 
templating a noble act. It is I, at the head of a band of spirits, 
formed to impress you daily and hourly upon this, the subject 
at issue ; and we are hoping to have you feel (ah ! it is hard to 
produce a feeling in many cases !) that the life here should be de- 
voted to one another's good, without selfish aim, for selfishness 



258 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

will send you to your future state without the gain of a mo- 
ment's bright thought. Intense is our desire to help and aid 
you. If you receive us, ws shall have gained a point that can 
never be abandoned. Deliver us from the world's hatred and 
blindness ! Protect us from sophistry by the light of Reason. 

" Go on, brave people, against wave and tide ; even though 
you be driven against the beacon lighthouse, yet will you be se- 
cure in the realms of your Father's mansions. Let your ideas 
be simple and governed by purity and genuine uprightness ; and 
then no lingering fears will fill your conscience, and openness 
will shine in your faces, and the body-guard from heaven will 
surround you, and lift you up beyond all doubt and despair. 
Point up to heaven, the glorious home, and instill the principles 
of justice into every soul and mind. 

" Good-bye, dear friends. Remember, I am promoting the 
cause of Truth through you, and will hold you responsible for 
the same to govern your actions. Farewell ; but I am as ever, 

"Judge Edmonds." 

To this message, so pure and good, forty-eight spirits 
wrote their signatures — all differing one from the other, 
being, with the exception of two or three, those of 
spirits who had previously communicated. Those who 
may have any lingering notion that these intelligences 
are unclean or seducing spirits, are requested to study 
this last communication; and they will be obliged to 
confess, however good Christians they may be, that the 
precepts therein given are such as all must wish and 
pray that the world may be most thoroughly seduced 
by — seduced from selfishness, ignorance, vice, and crime, 
and led to observe the 'divine precept of Christ, " LOVE 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 250 



VIII. 

COMMUNICATIONS CLERICAL, SA.CRED, AND BIBILCAL. 
Some of the communications presented in preceding 
sections come from those who, by means of their gifts of 
genius or talent attained to secular positions of distinc- 
tion among their fellow men, but were not actively or 
prominently engaged in the cause of religion, as minis- 
ters, teachers, priests, or prophets ; but those of the 
present chapter were written by the spirits of Christian 
clergymen of various denominations — some having oc- 
cupied positions of great ecclesiastical dignity and 
power ; and some from the illustrious saints and other 
personages of Biblical or Scriptural renown. The same 
reason for accepting the preceding communications as 
genuine, namely, their intrinsic purity and spiritual ex- 
cellence, holds good even in a higher degree, with these, 
as the candid reader must acknowledge. They afford a 
great mass of most valuable and suggestive religious 
truth; and the precepts they embody are not simply 
elevating, but inspiring. Wo unto him who can peruse 
them in any other spirit than that of holy reverence and 
awe ! 

The first comes from an Episcopal clergyman of the 
purest and most philanthropic character, which endeared 
him to the whole community in which he lived, and 
which he blessed by his sacred example of Christ-like 
beneficence and love — far too expansive to be confined 
within the narrow limits of sectarianism ; and hence this 
venerable and highly venerated Christian minister la- 



260 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

bored much and earnestly, with voice and pen, as well 
as by example, to promote an evangelical Catholic union 
among his fellow men. He departed this life in April, 
1877, in the 81st year of his age. This communication 
is brief, and in some respects personal. 

FROM THE REV. DR. MUHLENBERG. 

A lady, in August last, asked permission to hear from 
the Rev. Dr. Muhlenberg, and the following was writ- 
ten : — 

' ' Emma [the medium] , send your desires to the throne of 
grace, by the constant uplifting of your heart in earnest prayer, 
and all will be sent you from the everlasting kingdom of God's 
creation. Enlighten the world in regard to the purpose of their 
creation. Teach the Gentiles that they are the fallen from 
grace, as well as their brethren, the Jews of hatred, and that 
unless they repent, their sufferings will certainly exceed those 
of their detested ancestors. Behold the iniquity of your wrong- 
doings. See your false and abominable wanderings from your 
loving Saviour, and how he looks, until his heartfelt sorrow for 
your neglect almost blinds his divine eyes. Outside of the King- 
dom of God, you can do nothing. I say not a hair of your head 
shall miss your Saviour's protection, by your high living, 
through your Saviour, and by a knowledge of your Father in 
heaven. Blend your prayers with those of the saints, and love 
the Lord your God with humble sincerity. I wish you all the 
heavenly success which I have found with my Pleader for man's 
true-heartedness. Earnestly and truthfully, 

"Wm. Muhlenberg." 

As this communication was chiefly personal, the edi- 
tor, on the 11th of March, 1879, asked that another 
might be written more directly for the enlightenment 
of the world. The medium was impressed to say : 
" Calm friends, I invite you to a happy feast." The fol- 
lowing was then written in response to the call: — 

"Yes; selected rightly. I will begin again ; and happy I 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 261 

KBa, and thankful unto God, for this sacred and enchanting priv- 
ilege, and may benediction be upon your souls. In the atmos- 
phere of your spirits let your voices swell within you, as doth 
the marriage bell for the happy couple starting on life's journey 
with the provision secured for their souls' delight. It is rap- 
ture to behold God's creatures turning their imagination into a 
heavenly channel. Few really find the perfect contentment 
God would wish ; but ye, my beloved brethren, are in the foot- 
steps of your Saviour— much to bear and much to lose ; but the 
toward will compensate, as I, the meager spirit of a fellow cham- 
pion, once upon your earth's border, but now everywhere in 
God's smile, have found. To speak to the churches was ever 
my pleasure ; so, of course, I am more than happy to gain such 
a power as you give me, to speak now again to them. I say 
vhurches, but I mean every soul that lives, in prison or out of 
prison ; for I would have none captive— never. Set them free, 
God ! Look with supernal pity upon thy creatures designed 
for love's ordeal ; and sanctify thy heavenly protection to them, 
as only thou, Gracious Sovereign and Heavenly Father, can do. 
Delight their souls with the bliss that I, a poor and humble 
Worker for thee, have found ; and answer this my prayer, as 
the spirits of light in hope demand me to offer, and pardon us 
all, for thy love, dear Saviour, at the throne of God and heavenly 
grace. Watch and pray, my people ; for the watch is set, and 
the time discloses a conclusion of things for you, if not for all. 
Earnestly I entreat you as the sons of God to do good deeds, to 
clear your hearts from malice and hate, to practice the teach- 
ings of the sacred precepts in your Bible, and to love God as we 
spirits delight in doing ; and oh! oh! the light of earth will flee 
away to enchanting visions of rapturous bliss, Alas ! be not de- 
jected or cast down ; for that, my brethren will take away your 
crown. Uplift your hearts and Voices to sing, and all in one 
line, to shout, ' Hail the Lord King of all ! And let peace and 
plenty reign 1 ' 

" Ever in true earnestness, and with God's benediction in full 
measure, I leave you to your choice ; but my prayers never 

erase. 



262 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

" Earnestly, Father Muhlenberg, a missionary en rapport 
with his calling. Happiness 1 ! I send thee to all. Amen. 

"Wm. Muhlenberg, with angels." 

The medium clairvoyantly saw him at the head of a 
band of angels, all clothed in white ; and as he spoke, 
they all stood " in one line," and he raised his hand, in 
which there appeared to be a small trumpet, and gave 
them the signal to shout, u Hail, etc." 

FROM PROF. SMYTHE, D.D., LL.D., M.P. 

The next series of communications are from the spirit 
of quite a distinguished man, — and one of great ability, 
and purity of character — Prof. Richard Smythe, D.D., 
LL.D., at the time of his decease, Dec. 4, 1878, member 
of Parliament for Londonderry, Ireland.* It is proper 
to say, also, he was a cousin of the editor's wife. On 
the 8th of December, four days after his departure from 
earth, the editor was sitting with a portion of his family, 

* The following is an extract from an obituary notice which appeared in 
the columns of the New Fork Herald, in December last :— 

Rev Richard Smythe, D.D., LL.D , member of Parliament for county- 
Londonderry and professor of theology in Magee College, Londonderry, 
whose death at Belfast on the 4th inst , was announced by a cable dispatch in 
the Herald of the 5th, was one of the most remarkable of the group of Irish 
politicians, and probably the only person in modern times who combined 
the rarely united qualities of an elective member of the House of Commons 
and a Doctor of Divinity, a distinction which he owed to the fact of not per- 
taining to the clergy of the established Church of either of the three king- 
doms. Professor Smythe was born October 4, 1826, at Dervock, county An- 
trim, within a short distance of the Giant's Causeway, received his early 
education at the private school of Rev. W. Williamson, graduated B A. and 
M- A. at the University of Glasgow, pursued philological and theological 
studies at the University of Bonn, where he gained a thorough acquaintance 
with the modern schools of Biblical criticism in Germany, was ordained a 
minister of the Irish Presbyterian Church, became in 1857 collegiate minister 
of the First Presbyterian Church at Londonderry, and in 1865 was appointed 
Professor of Oriental Languages and iiblical Literature at Magee College, 
Londonderry, and in 1870 Dill Professor of Theology in the same institution. 
In 1869, and again in 1870, he was chosen Moderator of the General Assembly 
of the Presbyterian Church of Ireland. He actively supported the Irish Uni- 
versity bill in 1873, and was chosen to Parliament for county Londonderry at 
the general elections of February, 1874. He possessed considerable oratori- 
cal power and was fond of employing ornate and flowery language. He had 
recently been suffering from a complication of diseases, which resulted, on 
the 26th ult., in a fatal congestion of the brain, at Belfast, whither he had 
gone to attend the banquet in honor of the Earl of Dufferin. 






SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 2G3 

including his daughter, the medium, when the latter was 
influenced to take the pencil, and wrote, with great 
force, and obvious emotion on the part of the intelli- 
gence communicating, the following extraordinary mes- 
sage : — 

"Richard Smythe. — You are my cousins. — I am dead as 
to the earth,h\it living unto God, and in a blessed union of God's 
most sacred chosen. Bless God forever ! God ! the road was 
a blank at first, but my sight dawned upon a reality so intensely 
bright, that the vision astounded me with the pleasure of sur- 
prise. Thank God, I am dead. Believe me, it is no sorrow to 
taste of this change. No, not a tear should be dropped upon 
any soul who meets his Maker in his state beyond, if he has 
God in his heart with sincerity. That I can come to you is a 
fact that I never realized until too late to spread the news 
abroad. O God ! such a mistake ! I could weep with regret 
and earnest sympathy for the past blindness. But it was not a 
mistake that was intended ; but so much the worse, for I could 
have done more with my good intentions toward mankind, and 
with the kindest heart for their good. I feel happy but for 
this. Oh ! the Lord is bounteous in mercy. I feel it now as 
never before. 0, that you could, in the severest reality, send 
these revelations abroad ! O, to feel such agony at the thought ! 
I could plunge a thousand daggers into myself for my blindness 
or wrong feeling in this matter. Forgive me, do, my dear kind 
and hopeful relatives. I am in an agony of suspense to prove 
that this is the revelation of a reality. I will calm my excite- 
ment though, for you are a good, hard-working people, and will 
do your best, if God give you his blessing, as I shall ever pray 
for you. Only never say that the dead are no more, for therein 
is the He in space. Amen. 

" Speak for me often, Oh ! I am in the heat of passion to 
penetrate your soul's spirit, 

" Riciiakd Smytiie, of Ireland " 

The force and rapidity with which the above was 
written was wonderful beyond expression. At its close 
the following colloquy ensued : — 



264 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

How did you know you could communicate tcith us ? 

" I felt my affection draw me to you as the tendril finds a 
clinging for its wants and needs. " 

Did you know of Spiritualism . ? 

"YES." 

Did you reject it f 

"YES. How do you suppose that a minister of the Bible 
could understand the spirit's need of help upon the other side 
of Jordan?* O my ! the relief that I find is more than you can 
understand, A spirit is ever in the agony of desire to show to 
the mortal that the dead are with you always in the communion 
of thought." 

Please write a message for your brethren, the clergy. 

" My dear brethren, in God's creative fancy made, pardon me 
for a spirit's desire to disenthrone any of your sacred beliefs in 
the religion of your choice. For I am compelled now, but not 
as formerly, to state that, although your hearts may be sincere, 
your minds are very far from the reality of nature's God. I 
have been dead only a few days ; but I have learned more in 
that short period, in my spirit, than I could ever imagine {alas 
for my understanding ! ) in the earth. 

'* I was a minister in God's calling, from desire and inclina- 
tion, and, if it will not be misinterpreted, in powers, as it were, 
in that direction ; and, as I did rny truest and best in that sta- 
tion of life, the Lord has seen fit to pardon any shortcomings 
that my guilty flesh was heir to. • My aim was to save souls ; and 
I trust that my influence, or my example, perhaps, as I did en- 
deavor to do what was right (according to my understanding), 
may have done some good to help the weaker vessels than my- 
self out of waywardness. But now, God, I find thee, as never 



* How, indeed, when they limit by their foolish creeds— never propagated 
by God's holy prophets, or by Ins divine Son, when on earth— the infinite 
mercy of the all-loving Creator. Abolishing by an arbitrary dictum the 
Christian, as well as Jewish, practice of praying for the spirits of the de- 
parted, they endeavor to seal this decision by the statement, false in itself 
and fallacious in its application : " As the tree falls, so it lies." This is not 
the text of Scripture (see Eccles. xi. 3); but, if it Mere, the absurdity of 
basing a fundamental doctrine upon a single sentence, taken from any por- 
tion of Scriptures, will be obvious to any candid student of the Bible. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 265 

before, right near me — in the spirit of myself, or a part of thee 
I am ; and God is the angel protector of you all. 

" Believe in God. With a love immortal for you, he is near 
your hearts. Believe that, when you die, you will pass to the 
state where the dead of ages are living and working and hoping 
for your future good. And be not persistent in any folly, or 
indifferent in any way toward this subject ; for it will lighten 
you here on earth as well as in heaven — the bright and glorious 
home where you will meet in such a harmony of thought, that 
no misunderstanding will greet you. In heaven, there are no 
heart-burnings for the treasures of a moment, for all is given 
to the utmost of his desires, to the man in God's image. 

" I feel much better now, for having described my rising to 
you, and my earnest wish is, that you will understand me. Fur- 
ther, I would state that my sphere is a good one ; and I have 
congenial companions in the spirit of love toward the inheritors 
of grace. " I am your watchful friend, 

Richard Smytiie, 
"Professor in the College of Londonderry." 

The exceeding naturalness, and suggestiveness, of 
these messages from so excellent and talented a man — 
a Protestant clergyman, too — need not be pointed out. 
Again, on the 15th of December, the same spirit wrote 
as follows : — 

"Richard Smythe. — Blessings from Christ I will always 
bring to enlighten your minds in regard to all the things in 
eternity ; for everlasting is the road that leads to God, the Fa- 
ther, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. Wherefore are they wait- 
ing in such holy patience, if not to satisfy you with great hap- 
piness? You are God's happy children by redemption. Heaven 
is bought for you. O, such a heavenly life is more to be desired 
than many worlds of earthly magnitude, or earthly matter in 
any form that humanity can conceive. I was a jjhilosop/nr/il 
scientist, together with my Biblical calling ; but scarcely did I 
ever discover, in all my travels among wonderful revelations, an 
atom that could lead me directly to God — no, not a particle that 
enabled me to discern where God is really found to exist. I wish 
to tell you that God is a being of infinite love toward you, and 



266 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

of unfathomable justice, in the fullest meaning of the word — 
not wishing to punish, unless his mighty love and heavenly 
workings have been perverted or cast away. You are a heaven- 
ly image of your Maker ; and you are here to be purified for 
your other existence, not for your own willful neglect of the 
personality of God, nor from any imperfect result to come from 
your earthly life. I assure you, it is a privilege to live, not a 
mistake or grievance ; for where is the man who has no happi- 
ness in his earthly state ? He will scarcely be found, I think ; 
and it is God's own pleasure also to have you happy. Were 
your aspirations higher, and better, and purer, to submit to God's 
will, or to be thankful for merciful favors, you would live your 
short life through with hallowed hope for your future state ; and 
at last we should meet you, our loved ones, forever, aye, always 
with great harmony, — imperfect to be perfected. So i" find it 
now, and so I wish to find it for you all ; but 1 am grieved at 
the blind-heartedness of my brethren, the public. 

" One by one, I shall watch for your transition, and for your 
thoughts to mature, and resign themselves to the real, valid 
things in your future life. Please expect me to come to your 
hearts, in great sympathy for your work ; for my spirit is en- 
raptured with the great call (so be it ! ) that comes from the 
world for light to instruct their waywardness, and to give them 
encouragement to go up higher. I myself seek to find release 
from sorrow in the results of your work ; and prayer is my bless- 
ing to you always, in the sincerity of a spirit intent upon mighty 
good to the flock that call themselves Spiritualists, or lovers of 
God's great kingdom in store for the good and faithful man. 

"Amen ! 1 say in the purified state of a minister of Gods 
kingdom. I am your loving and hopeful cousin, 

Richard Smythe, of the country called Ireland." 

Can you explain in what sphere you find yourself? 

" My sphere is the good state where the well-informed man 
is who loved God upon earth and followed his precepts in a good 
part, if not in the full intention of his Master's acting for him 
in creation. In no way was I wayward unto God, except in 
blindness." 

In the above, the reader has the opportunity to know 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 267 

the condition and views of a Presbyterian clergyman — 
sincere, earnest, able, and eloquent, after but a few day's 
residence in the mansions of the blest. In the next, are 
presented the statements and admonitions of a Metho- 
dist clergyman — also sincere, earnest, able, and elo- 
quent — some thirty years after his transition to the 
spirit world. This is the Rev. Samuel D. Ferguson, of 
whom many persons treasure most friendly and pleasant 
recollections, none perhaps more than the editor, who 
was intimately associated with him for about a year in 
the Leake and Watts' Orphan House, in this city, in 
1845-6 ; and there is no doubt that many of his surviv- 
ing (on earth) relatives and friends will recognize some 
of the traits of character wdiich he exhibited on earth in 
these forcible messages. 

FROM THE REV. S. P. FERGtTSOH. 

[Rev. Samuel D. Ferguson called.] — "Samuel D. Fergu- 
son " [with great force}. 

Will you icrite a communication to help our mission for the 
good of the world ? 

"YES. You are doing an ennobling work. I cannot give 
vent to the emotions that fill my spirit with intense desire for 
ycur future condition. You will reap an eternity of success by 
the fulfillment of so great a mission. [Rapid and forcible.] 

" My dear friend, I have overcome my excitement, or, I should 
say, my overpowering anxiety for your further progress. Do 
not give up an instant. O God ! the enormity of the work in 
hand is immeasurable ; and it must be brought to a perfect state 
ere long, or God, in his providence and justice, will make ;; 
great onslaught upon the reckless, improvident creatures of hia 
great love. It is but a line that divides the two worlds, and 
sanctified thought is the healing instinct that leads to beauty 
and brightness. Then follow, dear friends in the world of be- 
nighted feelings, into the hopeful and living future which awaits 
you with God ; and be God-like in your living on earth, and 



268 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

then you will be in harmony with love, goodness, and the angels 
of light, happiness, truth, sincerity, charity, and hope. Pray 
unto the Father of your being to give you his impressions, and 
purification unto cleanliness and chastity, and to take from you 
the vanities of thought, the conceit of yourselves, and all delight 
from anything corrupting to your natures. 

" Now, my friends, to explain. A prayer is but an aspiration 
for purity : it need not be upon your knees ; it need not be by 
yourselves ; it need not be with others ; but it only need be with 
God, whether here or hereafter. I expect to find great relief 
for myself, and for you all in this great and almighty source of 
nature's streams of good ; and the advancement which comes 
therefrom will give you and me strength to fight the inharmo* 
nies produced in nature by God's foes and Satan's friends ; name- 
ly, sin an 1 its evil consequences. 

*' I am, as I said in the form of earthly words, your energetic 
and always true companion for God, S. D. F." 

Will you write a communication for your brethren, the clergy? 
"YES. — My dear and misenlightened friends in the Scrip j 
tures' bonds : — It is with great agony of mind that I find myself 
in the position to speak to you. Indeed, it is with the utmost 
pain that I write through this opening, or in this life, to you ; 
for I would bring you into rapport with the angels, into har- 
mony with the saints, into communion with God. My God, and 
your God, is a pure spirit, as you were in your mother's arms ; 
and I hope he will find you at the last. Patience is God's motto 
of strength ; and with this blessing may you enter his bright 
gates. 

' ' I was a minister of God in the earthly calling ; now I am a 
missionary of hope to your souls. Now I am grafted and rooted 
with the tree of life. Now I am free ; and do you, in the name 
of Christianity, assume your true stations. Bring the people to 
the truth ; and command them, as you have the power, to love the 
Lord, who is by their side. Bid them receive this truth as a 
precious gift which they will need at the last. Give up riches, 
give up pride, give to and protect the poor ; lead them by the 
hand. Spend your money for the Lord, not for your pompous 
churches, or upon your own gratifications. Feel the truth in 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS 269 

your hearts, so tliat you may produce a good impression upon 
the children of blindness and bigotry. 

I was a misguided man, and I had to learn the true meaning 
of life after my soul had gone up. Now I am the possessor of 
experience, I can fertilize your hearts, if God will, into the per- 
fection of your earthly life, thence to be with spirits in harmony 
with God and his great gifts. I am, at your own dedication, a 
minister of God (in a true sense). Amen ! " 

FROM THE REV. J. W. CUMMINGS, B.D. 

The following was written on the 11th of March last, 
in about fifteen minutes. The medium said, in de- 
scribing the spirit, " A stout man, sad, but calm v : — 

" J. W. Cummings.— My CHRISTIAN followers, it doe3 
not befit me to prescribe for your good and high elevation. Take 
your wounds and entreaties to the Physician of all souls and he 
will heal all accidental and sad failures in life. Alas ! my dear 
friends, 1 am not without a flaw, and that a piercing one. It 
drives me away from the presence of God, and at times of con- 
templation, I almost drive myself to the devil, so deep is my 
distress. It well becomes me, Christians, to portray my defi- 
ciencies here. At first, I seemed to expand and prepare to ac- 
cept my station ; but, later, I saw all my folly — all my failure at 
comprehension, and all my misrepresentations. I assure you no 
one said to me 'fool '; believe me, no one said, ' You are a devil ' ; 
no one said, ' You have lost your birthright and God's presence ' ; 
but, I tell you, I FELT ! I tell you, I knew all that I had ever 
done or thought of, and all without a word of wrath' or con- 
demnation. 

" Be lifted up, good people ; and do not have such griefs to 
bear. Work for the right, and for God only ; and be never 
weary, for what does it matter how long life is, when rest Com- 
eth in the morning 1 See to it, friends and followers of the 
Christian Church, that God demands all worship, and to no other 
gods or images bow your knee ; and I, the head of a band of 
Catholics, tell you to worship God only, and live the life of a 
hard-working man for God and humanity ; and you will find 
love and peace. 



270 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

" I accept your call with love and sympathy, and send my 
everlasting prayers and benedictions to my people in the Church 
of Christ. I am the priest of St. Stephens, who died gently. 
"J. W. Cummings, a layman now." 

FROM ARCHBISHOP HUGHES. 

The following communication was written under 
similar circumstances to those under which the com- 
munications presented ostensibly from Protestant cler- 
gymen were given. Two of these speak of themselves 
as having been in some important respects, misguided 
and mistaken; and on this account the happiness of 
their present state is less than it would otherwise have 
been. Indeed, can we but in a very imperfect degree 
realize the poignancy of the regret which he who has 
been an influential religious teacher upon earth, must 
feel in the spirit world, where all things necessarily ap- 
pear in their true relations, when he finds he has led 
astray those whom he should have guided aright ? And 
more especially if from pride, conceit, bigotry, or self- 
ish ambition, his mind has been closed to the truth ; 
and he has violated the example and precepts of his 
Divine Master. 

In regard to the message now to be presented, it is 
probably unnecessary to say that neither the medium 
nor the editor could have had the slightest idea of what 
would be written when the spirit was asked to commu- 
nicate. The editor had thought of this distinguished 
prelate very earnestly, feeling assured that so eminent a 
divine could and would write a remarkably instructive 
message. The communication here given was written 
with the most startling force. It occupied less than an 
hour in the writing, and some of the words the spirit 
seemed to be unable to emphasize strongly enough, by 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 271 

heavy and repeated underscoring ; as when the word 
Archbishop was written, it appeared that he could not 
heap ignominy enough upon it, striking at it with the 
pencil, and thus defacing it. This communication was 
written January 5, 1879 : — 

[Archbishop Hughes requested to communicate. ] — "Arch- 
bishop" [defaced]. — " Hughes is my name, and THIS is what 
I wish to be known by. Please leave my title of respectful 
homage in the background ; for it only commends me to infinite 
misery. I do not wish to be rude ; but it is merely a request 
that a spirit in mercy asks of your kind forethought. 

"My name is Hughes. I was born in Ireland ; and I remem- 
ber well that my early education was under the tutorship of the 
followers of the High Roman Church, in the strictest Jesuitical 
style. Never a bent was given to my mind outside of my tutors' 
BOOKS ; and, if they did not understand them, how could I re- 
ceive any impression of wrong or error, in the dictation of a 
prophet in lore? But fallacy is religion, and heresy is scorn; 
and the misled of the Bible are the fighters for liberty. My dear 
hearers, of the Christian church, I am commanded to relate to 
you my passage from earth to my heaven. Following the edu 
cation given by my superiors, I took upon me the dignity of 
oince in my castle of state, with the homage of a lord, for which 
pomp my soul longed, that I might reap the delight therefrom. 
(Does not vanity meet with the aspirations of every one ? ) After 
lingering, and enduring many hardships — from disappointment' 
— I at last succeeded in reaching the highest position in the 
noble Roman Church in America. I can but ask God's bless- 
ing upon it now — in the fullest thought for its degradation. 
My mind is more humble now — not affected with either pomp or 
pride ; and my extreme selfishness is gone. Firmly, my Chris- 
tian hearers, I am now a reformer unto the atoning blood of the 
Saviour, or of the Lamb once sacrificed unto sin's release. Be 
the price what it may, I will bow my knee to no other God but 
Him. No other do /need, and no other will I accept than God 
and his almighty Son in heaven, and by heaven, and with heav- 
en's love abiding. 

" May heaven be your home. May bright seraphs waft yo:i 






272 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

all the sunny air from, harmonious circles of rapture and truth 
— such as the sincere are securing by your holy aim. Be ye all, 
both bond and free, in the love of your MASTER ; and being 
taught by him to live ennobling lives, be not bound to any man 
—PONTIFF or PRIEST ; no, NEVER. I Avenge me now the 
wrongs of my people. I suffer. God ! I suffer ! Forbear ! 
My grief is strong — is overpowering ! O, that the death of hell 
were not upon me 7 ! Sometimes I see myself, as it were, en- 
throned with blackness and bigotry. Oh ! be ye avenged, un- 
people in bondage ! Be lifted out of sophistry into truth. Oh ! 
find me a rest beyond a million of graves ! Oh ! for all eternity 
I shall be kept from the fold, without redemption, unless you 
grant me a penitence in your existence ; and turn, O God ! 
TURN ! Be led ; be taught ; be persuaded ; be enlisted — but 
unto God's love. Bow unto him for FAVOR. Love and serve 
Mm. Pray ! Pray always — in church and out of church. Be 
good followers of the Lamb ; and remember that the day cometh 
when the word of the Lord will seal you unto a rest, or hope to 
go up higher and higher — to brighter and more peaceful rest, or 
(O God ! that I should know the other and interminable anguish 
so well ! ) the remorse from unexpected loss — the thought of a 
misdirected life.* I was in the care of sahstts. Where were 
they when I passed away ' with all my pomp ? ' I was a mor- 
tal, and that an unfruitful one for God's vintage. The grief of 
ages will cover me with mire. Alas ! I am engulfed in the un- 
fathomable pit of remorse. I shall grind and grate my spirit's 
feelings with an agony of thorns. I am, indeed, in the love of 
God ; but I am so much the worse off ; for his love melts me 
into a vapor of hate toward myself. I could plunge myself into 
a caldron of fire, if God would thus wreak his vengeance upon 
me. But no ; never a wrong do I perceive in his commands. 
Justice \ 

' ' Follow in my steps, O people in darkness, and you will ob- 

* " What surprise, and in some cases what horror, must strike Christians 
educated under the present system of thought, when they discover, a few 
days after death, that they are wholly unfit for the society of angels ; aDd 
that a great work of spiritual exploration and judgment awaits them ; and 
that a thorough reconstruction must take place in their natures, before they 
ean reach their happy homes among the redeemed ! " — Dr. Holcombe. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 273 

tain the reward of unfathomable justice for your blind folly. 
It is meted out as it is deserved, and mercy is shown to the giver 
of mercy. The blessings of God come not with distinction of 
persons, but are distributed unto all — both great and small, 
high and low, and according to your work of love in the uni- 
verse of his creation. 

"Pray for me — your counselor from God, and save me, as 
likewise yourselves, from further painful retrospection. More- 
over, belong to the mansions of the Lord, and not to the apos- 
tates of ROME or HELL. Remember me in the time of war ; 
for I shall be there, to throw the Pontiff of Italy into the gulf 
of destruction. \ 

" Forgive me, my people. Be warned unto God, and flee the 
wickedness of Satan. Remember not Archbishop Hughes ; he 
is dead; but the spirit finally conquers, and I shall gain a day 
of atonement at last. 

" Pray for me always. That is the reality of my present state 
of existence. Hughes." 

The medium (who had never seen Archbishop 
Hughes) said her impression, while writing this long, 
powerful, and intensely passionate communication, was 
that of a strong man in great excitement. She seemed 
to see him grinding his teeth, clenching his fists, and 
wildly gesticulating, in the anguish of contrition, and in 
the deepest hatred of the things he denounced — most of 
all himself. 

The editor presents this incident as it occurred. The 
message, as written, filled twenty-five pages of the letter 
size ; and, as already stated, was executed with inde- 
scribable intensity — rapidity, force, and emphasis. That 
it emanated from the spirit of the Archbishop, as as- 
serted so strongly and with so much circumstantiality 
in itself, let those doubt or disbelieve who will. The 
editor has stated the fact of its presentation, and he 
dares not withhold it from the world. " I am com- 



274 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

manded to relate," &c, says the spirit; and the editor 
is equally commanded to fulfill his mission in transmit- 
ting it. The message, while describing the emotions of 
a contrite spirit (O, who in the flesh can conceive of 
them, much less realize them ! ) is pure, holy, Christian. 
Its precepts are : Worship God only ; love him with 
all possible intensity; follow Christ, "the Lamb," the 
" Almighty Son " ; " be ye all in the love of your MAS- 
TEE, " ; "be enlisted unto God's love''; "pray — pray 
always." Its warnings are : " flee the wickedness of 
Satan " ; there is a time of retribution, and in the future 
life, all will enjoy happiness or misery — will pass to the 
" mansions of the Lord," or " the death of hell," the " un- 
fathomable pit of remorse,'' according to their lives here 
on earth. There is also great significance in the em- 
phasis w T hich the spirit puts upon the agony which he 
suffers when he feels that God is too merciful to " wreak 
vengeance" upon him; and thus it seems that the in- 
finite love and mercy of God is truly like " coals of 
fire," when known as only a disembodied spirit can 
know them. Will the reader please recur to those 
simple and beautiful words used by the spirit of one who 
died in infancy? Admonishing his erring brolher on 
earth, he says : " Do not be without love to God, who 
loves you; for you will suffer the love of God to droion 
you with sorrow — you will be so sorry for Him" — so sor- 
ry that you could neglect, despise, sin against, so loving a 
Father. The thought is the same in each communica- 
tion ; but how different the utterance, one coming from 
a spirit who is experiencing that sorrow, and the other 
from an angel of light and purity who warns the sinner 
in time to avoid it. But let it be noticed too that hope 
has not fled this spirit in anguish, for he knows that God 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 275 

is merciful, and that " the spirit finally conquers." The 
singular expression " His love melts me into a vapor of 
hate toward myself, 7 ' brings forcibly to mind the words 
of Job when finally convinced of his sin of self-righteous- 
ness : " I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear : 
but now mine eye seeth Thee. Wherefore I abhor 
myself, and repent in dust and ashes." (Job xlii. 5, 6.) 

FKOM THE KEV. JOHN" DOWLIJSTG, D.l). 

This communication, from the celebrated Baptist 
divine, was written on the evening of Feb. 11, 1879 : — 

" John Dowling." — [We greet you with pleasure.] — " Hap- 
piness is in a mutual greeting. To wander round this earth, 
and have no friend to speak to, is enough to freeze a spirit for- 
ever in himself. But for God's great sympathy, we should be 
very far from him as well as yourselves. I seek to repeat to 
you the lesson of life, which is to do well, and love and esteem 
all. No mortal man or minister can do more for God and him- 
self than to purify himself with religious teaching, after which 
he can appreciate, and come into full fellowship with his right- 
eous God and Heavenly Benefactor. Realms of peace are wait- 
ing for you ; and there is great room for you all — yea, for every 
soul. So, falter not, nor fall by the wayside. Although the 
road appear rough or uneven, see that you are shod with pa- 
tience and faith in your Protector ; and then heed no trial of dis- 
comfort or affliction. He will fondly guard you, and favor you 
for your virtues. Fill up your spirits within you with great 
PHILANTHROPY — the leading virtue, and one that you inherit 
from God, and cannot disown. 

" Brethren, the clergy, seek to do good. Fling aside applause, 
and strive not for gain, or grand structures of pride. God loves 
the simple heart, and the simple place as well as (perhaps better, 
than) those costly houses of worship, which are designed for 
the benefit of the affluent, but mock the plainness of the poor 
and humble, casting them aside in scorn. (0, the darkness of 
your minds ! ) 

" You will understand soma day what I say, if you trill not 



276 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

now ; and you will be obliged to hearken then, if you do not 
now. So, I give you my words of experience, in hope to show 
you the right path, which I did far from choose. May the Lord 
of all goodness and mercy accept you all at the last for every 
soul, and greet you with a holy kiss of love ! 

" Fervently and humbly, the spirit of your obedient minister 
unto God's glory, 

" John Dowling, in anxizsty for all. 

" God bless you all. Amen." 

COMMUNICATION PROM BISHOP JANES. 

This was followed by a communication from Bishop 
Janes, of the Methodist Church, who deceased Septem- 
ber 18, 1876, being about seventy years of age. When 
the name was written, the medium (knowing nothing of 
the facts) was impressed to say : " He departed two 
years ago." The editor said : " He was an earnest 
man ; " to which the reply was : " Yes — a Methodist 
preacher." The editor remarked : " A bishop ; " and the 
significant response was : " Bishop, as the world goes." 
The following was then written : — 

" I have done nobler things in the spirit land than I ever 
thought of in the earth land. Glory is on high, and glory is due 
to Him who abides the regeneration of you all. Pray for the 
whole state of Christ's Church militant ; and let no man say he 
knows the workings of his Creator, for we are all clay in the 
hands of the Potter, and at his word we are melted and formed. 
The comprehension of mortal will not stand the test of God's 
knowledge. So let no man conceive too much, for with it all he 
will fall short of understanding. All that is necessary to man 
is the saving knowledge of purity and self-abnegation. With 
these fixed deeply in his bosom, he will scatter millions of seed, 
to grow and expand in the heavenly state. Each thought bears 
an action in it ; so let your thoughts be such as God will com- 
mend and admire. Every one exerts an influence upon others, 
either for good or evil ; and he that produces goodness will cer- 
tainly appreciate goodness, when it is showered upon him. Ac- 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 277 

tivity should be your prompter, and that for righteousness. Do 
not wear yourselves out in repining, but be up as the lark, and 
send your voices unto Heaven's own door, with joy and gladness. 
Weep not, nor be weary, for rest cometh to all. At last, I now 
forget all my sorrow, and do not care for my pain ; but what I 
feel is my weakness of living, which I can never forget ; for 
often poverty is strength ; and riches, despair. 

" Take a moral from this, dear brethren, and follow no model 
in ecclesiastical steps who carries not the badge of Faith, Hope, 
and Charity in his garments, and with him always. I love the 
whole world, and pray for all, both good and evil. God's king- 
dom come ! Amen. 

"Edmund Janes, a follower of God." 

FROM MARTIN LUTHER. 

The following was written on the 12th of January. 
The manner was calm and sustained, implying a con- 
dition of peacefulness. No strong emotion whatever 
was exhibited : — 

" Martin Luther — the Reformer, or the one gifted for the 
Reformation. 

"My beloved friends, it is with great diffidence, or rather 
with presumption, that I come to offer you a few experiences in 
the growth of my character. It gives me pleasure to gratify 
you. It gives me a most confident hone for your security in the 
future. 

" The desire to benefit the world was my most ennobling trait 
of character ; and the precept I now follow is to perform a great 
work for all — be they Christians or barbarians — with the truth 
staring them in the face, or with faithlessness ready to sweep 
them over to justice. 

" Beloved in the command of God, I offer you my heart's idol: 
namely, sacrifice. Follow this in every circumstance in life ; 
follow Christ's example of love and charity. Be not despondent 
or cast down, for it is designed that you should be so contented, 
or rather resigned to God, that, with the purest motives to 
sanction you on, you will never say nay to anything that may 
come upon you either for good, or seemingly evil, for it is all 
for good, or GOD. 



278 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

"lam Martin Luther. Having meant to expiate my sins 
through my Master's living, I did no more than a Christian's 
duty, in offering myself a perfect sacrifice both in soul and body. 
Believe me, I have found it perfect living here ; and without a 
sigh I am ready to weep with joy ! Accepting the choice of the 
Lamb, I proceed to examine the inclinations of men at present, 
and I find them farther led astray now by inhumanity and dead- 
ness of thought and life than formerly — indeed, dreadfully so. 
It makes me want to come once more (upon the earth) to help 
you accomplish that masterpiece of work ; namely, Love, and 
therefrom Christianity. But my powers are now in the higher 
condition, away from you ; and I cannot affect you unless yon 
will permit my spirit's light to dawn upon you in a purer way 
than any corrupting material instinct can impress you. Do let 
me help you first to conceive the Truth ; and then work upon it 
in so resolute and pure a way that God himself will come and 
ask you for a respite from his great anguish. This is the reason 
we spirits try to elevate mankind to him ; for without the love 
of God on high, ye are verily past your Master's acceptance. 
Here ye live whether ye receive or not ; but hereafter ye will 
not live, but die — even unto a doom of remorse and sorrow. 

"Forbear I will to give you further injunctions of a sorrow- 
ful mood, for it is with your lofty aspirations of ambitious liv- 
ing that I am in harmony with you — not the weakness of sin, 
but the strength of goodness. Spread your Christianity or 
Spiritualism, abroad. Much sorrow I had to feel for my dull 
comprehension, or rather my want of knowledge of the things 
pertaining to spirits ; but.now I am lifted up and exalted where 
I can try to further the world's redemption ; and Christ is the 
guide-post for you all. Follow in his steps of repentance, love, 
and charity, and no harm can befall you in the thraldom of 
earth, or in the marvelous expanse of heaven. 

' May you see that I am the spirit of the poor, suffering Mar- 
tin Luther, freed from the fear of bondage or capital punish- 
ment. Amen ! " 

What were the errors which you regretted f 

" Errors of future insight — being too far away from my 
Maker's ideas." 

Had you the same means of light that we have ? 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 279 

"No. Does not this great light show you the way out of 
darkness ? " 

There icas no spirit communion then ? 

" Yes. I think it has never failed a moment to exist ; but it 
failed to be received." 

Your labors having been for good, ichy were you repentant f 

" My repentance was not for long. But no mortal ever leaves 
his clay without a sigh at the day of atonement." 

Will you write a communication in regard to the Reformation? 

" My dear Reformers, God in the name of Christianity, or the 
bond of humanity, has given me the means of repeating to you 
the story of my earthly struggle. Finding the world in a most 
corrupt state, it urged me to offer a great resistance to the ene- 
mies of truth — the supporters of fallacy ; and I prayed to God 
to enlist himself on my side for the right, and never to allow 
me to wander from a pure conception of him and the truth. In 
this I found favor ; and, thanks be to God, I have justly merited 
among Christ's people, the place of a Reformer, having freed 
them partially from ignorance and bigotry, and given them a 
new light in which they might find their future King. May 
Heaven meet them with open arms of kind beneficence ; pardon 
all their offenses, and all my misdirected intentions toward them ; 
and grant that, when time shall make them free, we may be 
united in the army in which no Reformer ever proved himself a 
weak instrument. So farewell, until the kingdom of heaven is 
at hand. Martin Luther, in Redemption." 

FROil JOHN CALVIN. 

This may very appropriately be followed by the com- 
munication written January 19th, from John Calvin. 
The call was for " John Calvin, the Reformer," when 
the following was immediately written with great calm- 
ness : — 

" John Calvin. — I was the Reformer of the Christian Church. 
Benighted and black, and that very, too, was the state of what 
should have been the Christian people. But Christ having been 
the forerunner of Truth, or the verification of it, I felt it my 
duty to offer up a sacred offering of my own small self unto rec- 



280 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

titude of grace. Finally, I knew that the life here was not 
lost. I felt it, and I, in fact, grew up in the esteem of a hun- 
dred grave men, enlightened by a suffering bondage, pressing 
them in on all sides, except the truthful one of redemption 
through Christ's precepts, or the love of God which passeth all 
understanding. 

" I am grieved at the non-meritorious results of a Redeemer's 
life. What can create a full harmony of thought with God ? 
He is trying to secure you a permanent blessing in the life to 
come ; but you reject it, casting it, as it were, to the dogs ever 
ready to pick up the crumbs that fall from the table. Be pure 
and holy in feeling always, and make yourselves so by study 
and example. Firmly teach that God is unerring in kindness, 
and it is only yourselves who are angry and impatient, and that 
indeed by your unfruitful works. 

" By the power of God fight, I beseech you, the good fight of 
the Christian ; and into the army of the Lord endeavor to enlist 
a host. Reformation is a longing to depart from sin ; and I am 
battling still in that onslaught. Christ is my noble Captain ; 
and, in the march of time, we will at last reach the victorious 
landing of exultation and final rest. 

"By the light of this fireside glimmer, I can see a mighty 
army of invaders ; but do not hesitate ; do not accept deadness 
for truth ; but follow in the steps of Christ, as did, in mind and 
effort. John Calvin, a spirit of light." 

Will you say anything to enlighten mankind in regard to the 
doctrine known as Calvinism f 

"Not right. God is not unjust. Man only reaps his own 
sowing ; and by your works are you known in your life to come. 
No man dies forever. State this firmly to all the world. No 
man dies, or is condemned, for eternity. First, comes to the 
wayward child in the Kingdom of God, bright thought, which 
awakens reflection ; and with that power he feels grief for his 
actions here on earth, and for his neglect to prepare for boun- 
teous benefits hereafter. Let your thoughts be pure and good, 
loving, just, and humble, and then God will teach you how to 
obtain all further blessings of spiritual love in the just and holy 
calling to himself. Lay aside vanities, and be not weary or 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 281 

cast down. I say over and over again, for your comfort, that 
Christ is my salvation ; and do you make it so, in reality, for 
■^ourselves by following - his teaching of patience and love toward 
all. No longer then will spirits come from light and love into 
vales of dark and dreadful tempest ; but happy and bright will 
be the spheres which will bring from earth a fellowship of love 
instead of pity for sin. 

" God bless you, and set you right from the errors and per- 
versions of John Calvin." 
FROM DR. CHAINING. 

The following is from the spirit of the distinguished 
Unitarian clergyman, Dr. William E. Channing : — 

"William Channing, an obedient servant of the Lord. 
May Heaven prosper your handiwork in the Lord's name. May 
every hope of Heaven's light render you fitted to effect a vast 
creation of good understanding in the Lord's people. 

" Desist from all unkind thoughts, and bring yourselves up to 
the elevation of thought of the spirits, that is, the high spirits 
who have worked for redemption and perfected faculties. Save 
yourselves from sorrow by a right comprehension of God and his 
works — all made for you at his will. You are his noblest work 
on the earth ; and within you, all and severally, is the Holy 
Spirit of God, your Maker. Good aims will take you to him, 
where every longing will become a germ and grow in the fruit- 
ful kingdom of your Lord. 

" Attend faithfully to yourselves. Cultivate yourselves in 
every department of culture ; for this will exalt your soul to do 
good things for Christ's kingdom, and satisfy your spirit's am- 
bition. Seek, and you will find free benediction in all things, 
and this from God, your Father. 

" I am in happiness, and occupied in great workings for the 
weak. May you be free from temptation, and find eternity 
bright. Amen. Your friend in the worship of God, 

"William E. Channing, a minister now and forever. 1 ' 

FROM SWEDENBORG. 

In the small family circle of the 25th of December 
(and it is of interest to say that no generally important 



282 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

communication, such as those recorded in this chapter, 
has been written in the presence of a promiscuous com- 
pany, however small), a desire was expressed to receive 
a message from the spirit of the illustrious Swedish 
seer, Emanuel Swedenborg. The following was writ- 
ten : — 

" Swedenborg. — I am the man who was in the communion 
of saints born. 

"My dear, kind and humble brethren in God, I am the man 
called Swedenborg, who lived many years ago, in the everlast- 
ing truth of God, and having the hope that the world here was 
to be regenerated in spirit through the efforts of ourselves, the 
chosen of God. To me the truth of spirit communion gave 
a supreme strength ; and I felt the light dawn upon me as a 
beacon in a dark and stony path ; and to me at once came the 
greatness of God in the knowledge which passeth all under- 
standing. Hence, I felt it was my duty to make it the great ob- 
ject of my life, to the best of the strength given to me by God, to 
help the unenlightened to see the great end, and masterly in- 
fluence, of a man's life on earth. But, I must confess, my 
powers were not adequate to the case ; and Oh ! my Saviour, 
God Almighty ! how can I express my maddening ambition to 
do more ! — to elevate, to convince, to bring unto God the weak, 
or falsely instructed as to their great happiness and the great 
duties of man toward man — to teach him to work for his life to 
come, to help each to bear his burden, and thus to lighten his 
own heavy load of trials, which all of us must bear for God and 
eternity. But man is selfish in aim, he is foolish in pride, he is 
antagonistic to God and godlike qualities, and he is losing his 
home in the mansions above, and this, alas ! my strength is too 
small to prevent. 

"Then, kind friends, be entreated to seek truth and happi- 
ness for yourselves and others ; for by God is your life demand- 
ed ; and he, in love, has given you the power to prepare a glad 
home in which you may meet together above. And only at your 
own decision does your Master above you wait (but in love only) 
for you to make the right choice of life. I am only a man, you 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 283 

will say, and have no right to preach ; but God forbid that my 
mite should be for wrong or falseness ; and, God be praised, I 
have the strength to benefit the world, if they will open their 
hearts for the benediction of God. 

" I am, in the esteem which comes from the harmony of the 
spheres, your humble friend in the work, 

" Swedenborg, in hope." 

An intermission of the writing occurred, while this 
message was read, after which, the editor said: "If 
Swedenborg is here, will he explain the meaning of the 
'harmony of the spheres'?" The following response 
was written : — 

" I am Swedenborg, and I will explain the harmony of the 
spheres. 

" By harmony we mean the happy union of kindred souls 
through the grace of God. We are the sprits born of flesh and 
blood, now grown into the full force of a spirit, without the 
distractions of the body — the covering for our proper use on 
earth. 

" My dear friends, choose the harmony of your lives here, and 
leave God to set you upon your congenial state after the door of 
earth is closed upon you. Bring yourselves into the closest har- 
mony, in every way, with good things, not voluptuous living. 
Always enjoy earthly things, in a moderate degree, and with full 
thankfulness to the Ordainer of your existence. Many are the 
congenial offerings we bring one another. In every sense — both 
in thought and deed — we reap the fullness of perfection, in 
everything — such kindness has God bestowed !— but this, too, 
only in proportion to the strength with which we have fortified 
our lives in the world on earth For many in the spheres of 
harmony, it is the duty, or, much better, the gratification of their 
heavenly state, to show, as upon the earth, all the brightness 
and good-heartedness possible ; others are more in the posses- 
sion of steadiness of spirit, and are comforters to the sick and 
needy ; while others are gifted with better strength, according 
to the blessings of God. And for all this wo are t<> prepare, 
and God will satisfy us forever. Swedenborg.'' 



284 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

FROM THEODORE PARKER. 

The following was written on the evening of February 
23d, after the message from Wm. C. Bryant, as given 
on page 96. Wonderful emotion was manifested ; and 
the pencil was moved with inconceivable swiftness. 
The whole communication was written in about fifteen 
minutes. Its earnest philanthropy is characteristic of 
the man from whose spirit it undoubtedly emanated : — 

[Call.] " Theodore Parker. — I come ! "lis rapture to me ! 
Amen. Your God will reward you forever. We are crying out 
in spirit for your good, and in this goodness, for all mankind. 
Help them ! O God ! they need it ! Would I could die for 
them — all ! Oh ! horrible torture to see them PERISH ! 

"May you be received with the compassion and love of a 
Father's care, and thankful smiles of a happy assurance of good 
results ! The spirits will smile upon you, and help you up— 
you, their best friends upon the earth, by God's sanction. 
Spiritualists you shall bo called, and that without derision ; 
for, during their earthly lives, men mighty in the battle of life 
have fought the good fight ; and if the victory be not fully won, 
it is nearing its conclusion ; and these same men begin anew 
the struggle for freedom, and work and pray to gain a happy 
end for all. 

" We come by no small effort. We come with love. We will 
protect you. Ever bear your spirit's insight with you ; for it 
will insure our protection for you, and make us happy. Then 
how much more happy will the God of all feel, when his crea- 
tures learn fully to bear his blissful love and trust in their 
bosoms, with prayer and thanksgiving. 

" God bless the spirit of man, and give him the understand- 
ing of the just men, striving in this kingdom to be pure ! 
Iheodore* Parker bears a name of testimony that God is the 
highest spirit — through whom we, lesser and feebler spirits, 
exist ; and we certify that it is by his authority, and permis- 

*The word Theodore means thzgift of God. "Every good gift and every 
perfect gift cometh down from the Father of the lights of heaven."— James 
i. 17. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 285 

Bum, and love, that we come to aid you. We do not despair. 
No ; though you push the spirit out of his place, he will yet re- 
main to show his power, and make it felt through Christ. 

' ' Blessed is he who cometh in the name of the poor ! I will 
bless you, and help you to all eternity ; for no mortal shall suf- 
fer neglect without MY spiritual efforts to save him from his 
distraction* I live above to help and prosper as many as an 
earnest spirit and an urgent cause demand ; and I glorify my 
Maker and his compassionate power forever, and to the end of 
all things. 

' ' I pray for the Kingdom of God on earth, at my Saviour's 
throne of mercy ; and he it is who grants to all his protection. 
Seek ye the light of heaven, and the children of darkness will 
be no more. Sorrow, I bid thee flee from me. I hate thee ! ! 
Joy, beautiful emotion ! I clasp thee to my arms forever ! 

" Thankfully, and always near you, I am 

Theodore Parker, Physician to all souls." 

*' I thank the medium and bless her. — T. P." 

FROM BISHOP IVES. 

The following communication was written on the 9th 
of February, following a call and request that Bishop 
Ives* would write for the benefit of the world. He 
controlled at first with great difficulty, and the medium 
exclaimed ; " He was an old man ; that is why he cannot 
write readily ; " to which it was responded :— 

" Yes, I am born again ; but, to come to the earth, I take the 
form in which I LEFT it. 

" May I ask God's blessing to descend, and lift you up to the 
conception of the things which make up your existence in the 
world of spirits, where I am now, as I said before, born again — 
regenerated and renewed in thought. No encumbrances have I 

* Levi S. Ives, born in Meriden. Ct., in 1797 ; died in New York, in 1867. 
He was at first a Presbyterian, but changed his views, and became promi- 
nent in the Protestant Episcopal Church, being, in 1831, consecrated bishop 
of North Carolina. In 1852 he visited Rome, and there joined the Roman 
Catholic Church ;' in consequence of which he was deposed from his bish- 
oprick. He was afterwards a professor in St Joseph's 1 heological Seminary, 
ut Fordham. He also aided in founding the college at Manhattanville. 



286 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

here — no wicked imaginings, no evil communications to affect 
me. All is 'merry as a marriage bell,' following the true and 
bright light which we see only in the distance, but which we 
spirits feel instinctively to be the purest of the pure. We are 
spirits, all of us, who have borne the life in the earth land. We 
have all been received with benediction ; but whether we were 
happy or not in receiving this,, has depended upon the condition 
of ourselves, whether we were fruitful or barren. All are called, 
and many are chosen ; but few there be who really are ready 
and ripe to feel the joys of heaven. For them the place is not 
congenial, and the ways are awkward ; but they outgrow their 
poverty, and make for themselves a store-house of grain. All 
the gain is for God and man. 

" I linger around this band of love with feelings of hunger 
and thirst to do more, to see more, and feel more, in the ambi- 
tion I now have of showing that my spirit is not at rest, that 
my life was not spent for heaven, and that I am not in heaven. 
May you so fit yourselves for your home that you may never 
feel hunger and thirst as I have felt. I thank my God I have 
recovered somewhat, and am feeling my spirit full of good works 
for every soul, all of which will bring me satisfaction at the 
last. 

" Beloved in the Lord, complete a noble work. Elevate your 
kindred mortals to the glory of God and his love, which passeth 
your understanding. Deliver and protect the poor and perse- 
cuted of earth. Corrupt and evil, beyond any other form of 
bondage, is the religion that knows no loving Saviour. You 
need only God, the Father, to help you up, pray to whom else 
you will. I was a changeable mortal, driven first in one direc- 
tion, and then in another ; and like a broken reed I am left to 
suffer for my instability. ' A rolling stone gathers no moss ; ' 
neither did I gather my flocks as a faithful shepherd, for I 
severed the ties which bound me to my people. 

' ' Feel God, dear people, and act as the feelings from him 
prompt. You will have no bickerings or wanderings, but only 
the safety of complete trust. Prayer, and the aim for a higher 
life in spirit, should prompt your efforts ; and no petty desire 
should affect your actions. Strive for God, and strive to be with 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 287 

God. Earth will then become heaven, and heaven will be para- 
dise truly to every soul. 

" I love you, dear people, 1 love you well. Hearken to the 
spirit of him who was of feeble frame, who used up all his ac- 
tivity in the field of religion, but who fell short in the perform- 
ance of many of his deeds, and who now can see his follies per- 
fectly. Would I could blind myself to the sight of some of 
these deeds ! But they will leave their stain until eternity is no 
more ; and, although I may wash myself in the blood of the 
Lamb, I shall always feel their impression, never to be oblit- 
erated. O, see to your life's purity ! See that no stains appear 
upon your spirits. They will be there, if you produce them ; 
and you will feel then the weakness of your living. Love 
God ; love your neighbor; and above all, direct your hopes above 
and for eternity. 

" I am earnestly your brother, in the vineyard of our God. 
" Levi Ives, of Conn., 
" BISHOP, but false ; and PRIEST, but falser. 

" Amen ! God love you ! " 

We Jiope your communication may do much good. 

" Heaven bless you all ! " 

PROM PIO NOKO. 

On the 2d of February, a desire was expressed to re- 
ceive a communication from the late venerable head of 
the Roman Catholic Church, Pio Nono ; and the follow- 
ing was written : — 

"lam Pio Nono." 

Pontiff of Rome ? 

" Yes, in sorrow and repentance, but in harmony of thought 
with the souls and spirits of all — be they of heaven or earth. 
That a contrite spirit may possess the power of understanding, 
I will firmly assert. That he, or I myself, can relate to you an 
experience for the good of the world at large, is a great and 
happy privilege to the spirit, and a benediction from God him- 
self to his beloved people. Ye are all beloved of your Master, 
and of your Holy Father. Of him, and In him, you live ; and 
through him does your existence on earth, and in eternity, seek 



288 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

happiness — true happiness, my dear friends and kindred spirits, 
not merely cntside pomp and vainglory or show. Nothing of 
that. High rank is not permitted or desired in your home above, 
where the depths of love flow in and over your soul with genu- 
ine rapture ; and applause is not desired here. It comes freely 
without your will, for every meritorious action bringeth its own 
reward. You feel the anguish that you have created, or the 
joys you have treasured up in your heaven of heavens. 

** My Christian people, be no longer benighted in your creeds, 
but follow your Godhead, and become a united band of loving, 
of truly affectionate, people. Cast away all your wrangling, 
and be easy -tempered toward one another. It behooves me to 
speak to you thus. I calm the tempest of thought within me 
to give you a true understanding of my condition ; but my spirit 
is held, as it were, by ten thousand strings, which draw me 
away from the shore of peace and quiet. God is a potentate 
indeed ; but I was not, except in name, as it seems to me now 
No wayward flock could pierce me as God's creatures agonize 
him by their follies. No body of men, be tney priests, or breth- 
ren, or infidels, can ever find God other than supreme, and near 
them, in this world or the next. 

" Lend me your hearts, Christian followers. Suffer no man 
to deceive you. Be not simple in your conceits. No man hath 
true and right power, but God alone.* He (long may he be with 
you in mercy ! ) alone should be adored. Man is no monarch ; 
he is a subject, and that always. Never, then, mistake your 
vocation ; but be faithful, and listen with love unto the calling 
of the angels. They will guide you into a state of harmony and 
peace — or union in religion and divine blessings. 

" Vain and self-satisfied, but not without fear, I passed to my 
state of change ; and, after severing my mortal ties, what did I 
think to find above me 1 Certainly not WEALTH, the pontiff's 
desire for his people's good ; not vengeance for misdeeds done 
in the body \ ! not weapons to stab me in the dark. No ; but 
yet I have felt all of these, and truly more. Everything that 
transpired while I was in the body has been magnified twenty 

* " Whycallest thou me good? None is good save one,— God."— Luke 
xviii 19. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 289 

times in the space of heaven. My good deeds were many, and I 
thank my Master I now receive good compensation therefor, in 
heaven ; but my powers were used not entirely for God. I had 
too much worship. Ah I the thought sickens me ! I recur to 
the thought of it with disgust. So blind and black to teach the 
people bigotry ! No, no ; do not believe in heresy or schism. 
Gather yourselves together. Select a council of men, each at 
the head ; and pray, in earnestness and repentance, for sacred 
light ; and it will not be long in forthcoming. You will all be- 
come united as the subjects of one King, and that one, God. No 
bickerings or strifes will then affect you, — no sorrow or mis- 
understanding. All will come from God, and all will lead 
again to him. God will receive all, all, forever ; and, alas for 
me ! 1 shall not be there to be one of you ! ! May heaven find 
you ready ; and may I, the Pontiff of Rome, be prepared, through 
the fire of remorse, to be with you in the fellowship of heaven. 

" God bless you, my people ! I am the spirit of your Father's 
subject, fallen from power into the position of a delinquent. 
Amen. As I live, Ameu ! Pio Nono." 

Do you desire to say anything note in regard to the doctrines of 
the Roman Catholic Church? 

" Yes. Many conditions of faith in God are given for man's 
good ; but all are nevertheless misinterpreted. Our Roman 
' Catholic ' Church is quite wrong and unfruitful in its idolatry 
and sophistry ; but God will suffer no man to lose if he does 
?ight, according to conscience. No man shall suffer for the 
king's or ruler's pride or mistakes. The Head of the Church 
must reap his wayward sowings. Amen, in heaven" 

Is not conscience the voice of God in man's soul? 

" Yes, always, and never forsakes him." 

May the world be enlightened by these glorious words! And 
may you feel happier for their utterance! 

" Yes. Do all you can for God and good. "" He it is that doeth 
wonders." 

If God permit, we will insert your communication in our " book 
of hope." 

"Please inscribe my name with the blood that cometh from 
repentant thought for misdeeds, and actions committed in false 
light. Pio Nono, by God." 



290 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

We will, with God's help, use your message for the good of man- 
kind. 

"Thank God I" 

A few brief communications from spirit friends and 
relatives followed; and, in the colloquy that ensued, a 
remark was made as to Pio Nono, implying or intimat- 
ing a slight doubt as to the authenticity of his communi- 
cation, when the following was immediately written : — 

" Pio Nono is here. Do not be disdainful [or unbelieving] . 
God is my judge, that I lie not — nor ever can in His spirit. 
Amen ! As God liveth ! Amen ! " 

The solemnity of this adjuration all will perceive and 
feel. Perhaps there are spirits in the flesh who might 
use such to give strength to a falsehood ; but the editor's 
experience in this wonderful intercourse leads him to the 
conviction that this is impossible to disembodied spirits, 
however low their grade. The words of St. James, in 
this connection, will occur to many: " Thou believest 
that there is one God ; thou doest well ; the devils also 
bdieve, and tremble " (James i. 19). The late pon- 
tiff is manifestly a good spirit ; but like all who pass to 
God, he feels the stains of this dark world and its er- 
rors. ^^ 

FROM ST. AUGUSTINE. 

Some time previous to the above (Dec. 15), at the 
sitting of a small circle, St. Augustine was suggested ; 
and the editor remarked : " He Avas one of the lathers 
of the Christian Church — a great saint. It would, in- 
deed, be a blessed privilege to obtain a communication 
from a spirit so far advanced as he must now be ; and 
if God deem us worthy of it, we should be rejoiced to 
hear from him. The result is given below. The writ- 
ing was very gentle and calm — no emotion expressed — 



; SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 291 

very little force. The control, however, was exceed- 
ingly steady and composed:— 

" I am the spirit of one of the Fathers in the Christian era, 
namely, SA1XT Augustine." 

Will you icrite a communication for the good of the world? 

" My mission it is always to fulfill the wants and desires of 
sacred thought ; and it is also my pleasure to greet you this 
evening upon such a stepping-stone toward heavenly heights 
— toward bliss, dear brothers and sisters, in nature made. I 
offer you this hope for the good of the world. 

"I may seem old, perhaps be forgotten; but the name, al- 
though dead to the memory of time, will always be remembered 
by the spiritual owner. For what is a life to the Giver of lives ? 
What is a year but a breath of God himself ? We are not cre- 
ated without an object. We are not neglected, although we act 
with our own free will. Weak, indeed, are the children of 
men ; and few are they who understand that they are made for 
a purpose. I wish, for your own sakes, you would never des- 
pair, but ever look up to the glare of the noon-day. The sun 
is God's token of kind love toward you here ; and he is hoping 
and waiting only to have you fear the ways of the devil and the 
scenes of the evil ones. No longer I expect to secure you a 
home, unless your hearts be, as it were, transported to the re- 
gions of love. I teach the blind, whether upon earth or in 
heaven, where they may find strength to perform their missions ; 
also when weary of toil and wilfulness, they will gladly take 
heed, and yield to the teachings of an ancient prophet, whose 
remarks (devoid of test) will be the expression of the best 
wishes of one animated by a most noble ambition. 

" I think to meet you, though the space is long past [i. e., 
though I have long passed onward to a higher sphere], to ask 
you if you remember these words which you now scan. 

•' I am, in spirit, the feeble, but noble and greatly respected. 

" St. Augustine, 
"In motion" [i. c., still progressing]. 

This communication, purporting to come from the 
spirit of St. Augustine — disclaiming in itself the inten- 
tion to present any special identifying tests for the sat- 



292 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

isfaction of unbelievers—is in itself very striking and 
instructive ; but the editor has, at this stage, to offer a 
still more astounding phase of these spirit writings — a 
phase which, while it will perhaps shock the untutored 
and skeptical, must be accepted as entirely consistent 
with every other phase of these manifestations. It 
moreover affords an illustration of the statement given 
in the communication of another spirit, writing after a 
very brief experience in spirit life : " Believe that, when 
you die, you will pass to the state where the dead OE 
ages are living, and working, and hoping for your fit* 
hire good" (See page 265.) 

On the 12th of January the following was written : — ■ 

" Judge Edmonds.— I am always ready, do not fear. Re- 
ceive what a spirit gives in kindness, and never feel rebellious 
to God or his angels. Prepare ye yet for a higher Missionary 
— one who exceeds a mortal man.* May the prophets of old 
give you the superhuman strength of Moses, for the emancipa- 
tion of mankind." 

The editor said : " God will give us strength, I fully 
believe." 

' ' Yes. Forgive me my feeble powers of expression for your 
high workings. God has indeed given you a work which you 
are well fitted to perform, and the angels will glorify you." 

Will higher spirits communicate ? 

" They are all ever ready to do good. Prepare yourselves to 
be in the condition to receive, and God will further the result." 



One of the company then said : " I think, from what 
has been said, that Moses will communicate." The edi- 
tor expressed a doubt, but said he would be glad to hear 



* " And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom 
the Lord knew face to face."— Deuteronomy xxxiv. 10. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 293 

from so ancient a prophet. Then Judge Edmonds 
wrote, with great force and emphasis : — 

" Moses will write ; " 
and the following was written, in a small hand-writing, 
much smaller than in any previous communication, and 
with a force calm and sustained : — 

" Moses, tlie Egyptian priest, who received the prophecy of 
God, being at the command of the High King of the nation.* 

" Gentiles and respected Jews, it behooves me to come in the 
tribulations of a country, the prospect of which is dark, and a 
long way from peaceful rest. May the cries of the infant Moses 
awaken you to understand the community's wickedness and 
wantonness, in conduct. The Lord of Israel and ' Israel's Host,' 
presides as ever in your midst, and offers you a home, through 
the sacrifice of your evil natures. Find out the truth of the 
commandments of God, and follow them in love, and not through 
the duty of obedience. 

" I was a gifted man, namely, a prophet ; but ye are as much 
as any prophet, inasmuch as the Lord of Hosts is on your right 
hand. May the angels who descended from the heavens in the 
Saviour's time, find you also ready to receive the sacrifice of a 
great work, and also ready to forget yourselves, and accept any 
measure of test which the Lord may find it necessary to impose. 

"I am the infant in the Word of God. (Believe that the 
Word of God is a revelation for your justification.) I am the 
prophet (that is I had God's spiritual grace of insight of the 
future) who attempted to present to the Jews their holy precepts 
and ordination ; and I have a sorrow in my command, which 
the Lord will always affix to me, inasmuch as I cannot redeem 
old Israel. 

" Stablishyour souls in the felicity of Christ, and be a prophet 

♦ The designation " Egyptian priest " puzzled the medium, who thought it 
was not correct. The editor, who was present, was not certain that Moses 
had served as a priest of Egypt, but presumed he had been educated by the 
priests, the custodians of Egyptian learning; but on turning to the article 
Hosts, in Dr. Smith's Dictionary af (7k J!il>!r, the following was found :— "Ho 
was educated at Ileliopolis, and grew up there as a j>rie.st, under his Egyptian 
name.'" 



294 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

to no man without the benediction of a Saviour's lesson. I 
meant to teach, but have I not blocked up the way with a feel- 
ing of hatred instead ? Relate to me the story of the Jews, and 
I will writhe in anguish and sorrow, for my waywardness, or 
misconception of that Higher Power who is able to transport 
your minds. Moses, in Acceptance.' 1 ' 

We feel greatly blessed by God in receiving this message. 

" It is but the mission of a prophet in love to speak for so ac- 
ceptable a work for the Heavenly Kingdom. I will know you 
hereafter when the heavens reveal the sacredness of a life from 
sin, to give you all Amen (almighty word ! ) — so be it ! 

• ' Moses." 

Again, on the 15th of January, and, as at first, with- 
out a call, it was written through the medium : — 

" Moses will give the powerful assertion that Christ hath 
ordained these manifestations ; and they come with a mighty 
hope, overcoming every other delight of the Christian character. 
Look at the long-existing Word of hope ; it proceeded out of the 
mouths of very babes and sucklings. It came from prophets 
to great Kings, ruling over Israel and ancient Egypt ; and an- 
cient Moses prophesied great and miraculous wonders unto the 
people of the great King, and unto the seven nations of God's 
holy creation.* 

'•Let the champions of modern Christianity find out whether 
their Saviour, their King of kings, is in any way changed, in 
habit, country, or manner, or form, or character, since the high- 
minded men of old portrayed him in visions, sayings, writings, 
or illuminations. His requirements of grace — did they not say, 
humble yourselves before the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of 
Jacob ; and love the Lord of Hosts ? The finger of time makes 
many changes in the habits and conditions of men ; but with 
God and his angels of light, eternity is ever beginning and also 
ending. First and last are the same to God — the highest Spirit 

* i his was unintelligible to the medium; bat see Deuteronomy, vii. 1: 
"When the Lord thy God shall bring Thee into the land whither thou 
goest to possess it, and hath cast out many nations before thee, the Hittites, 
and the Gteashites, and the Amorites, and the Canaanites, and the Pcriz- 
zites, and the Hiyites, and the Jebusites, seven nations greater and mightier 
than tltou." 






SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 295 

ever present to man's thought. Mind the words of the Prophet 
Isaiah when he says, Holy are the people to whom God will 
show the wonders of his Kingdom.* Time was when the world 
hearkened ; but now it is blinded in its self -justification ; and 
God will mete out his justification of reward with heart-broken 
sorrow. Take refuge with us, the spirits of men, in the body 
of Christ ; and repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand for 
you all. Study to understand pure things, or else the ignomin- 
ious death of a Saviour may be brought upon yourself. Pray 
for the future happiness of all men. 

" I am duteous to the Lord of Hosts, the Judge ; and with 
the. tears of a million adversities upon my spirit, I show you the 
right understanding of God's will. ' May thy will be done on 
earth as it is done in Heaven ' is the yearning of a King of old, 
tasting God's glories in Heaven's distinction. Fly the sacrificial 
altar of mere idolatry. Bring your hearts into Christian sym- 
pathy with Christ's life, and refresh your understandings with 
the teachings of prophecy, which the angels always try to im- 
part for the enlightenment of men's souls — in prison. This is 
the truth ; and when the Lord shall find you ready, he will call 
you, and take you to his fold. Bring the children up to realize 
these truths, and trust God for the redemption of the whole 
world. 

" I am Moses, of the Ten Commandments, sent by God then 
and now. Amen, as God UvetJi ! "f 

FEOM PONTIUS PILATE. 
On the evening of January 16th, without a call, the 
medium was impressed to take the pencil, and at first 
wrote, in small characters, the name of Moses; and then 

* Not in ipsissimis verbis, but in the idea, which the spirit communicates 
through the mind of the medium. See Isa. lxv. " I will bring forth a seed 
out of Jacob, and out of Judah an inheritor of my mountains ; and mine 
elect shall inherit it, and my servants sliall dwell therein." The same idea recurs 
in this glorious chapter of prophetic spiritual truth. 

t This communication, so solemn, so profound in its spirituality, and so 
lofty ill its divine utterances, ends, as will be seen, in the most sacred and 
awful of all adjurations, in attestation of the authenticity of the message as 
coming from the ancient Hebrew prophet.—" As God Kveffil" 



296 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

the following communication, in some respects the most 
marvelous of all. In the family circle, the name had 
been mentioned, but with no idea that a communication 
would come from that source, though, indeed, there was 
no antecedent reason for incredulity or disbelief that this 
spirit, or any spirit, would communicate for a good pur- 
pose. It would appear from the name first written, in 
very small letters, that he was brought by Moses, who 
had communicated the day previous. 

" PONTIUS PILATE [underscored four times]. I am 
the Roman governor of Judea, being over eighteen hundred 
years in the field of history (but principally Biblical) on the 
earth, and that without any perfectly happy retrospect. But 
my aim now is to fulfill the deliverance of mankind from death 
unto God. I do not come to slay with either stones or javelins, 
with words of scorn or blasphemy ; for I am without guile now. 
I am also without sin ; for what I did I have worked off by deep 
and earnest repentance. I have felt the agony of the Saviour's 
pain. I have been upon Ids cross many and many a time, suf- 
fering the Saviour's ignominy, amid the fallen spirits. But they 
were high, compared to me ; for I was low indeed. Merited by 
me was God's judgment ; for I was a blind fiend, born for the 
devil's own use, both in thought and deed. 

" Take heed, good friends of God, that no arrow of cruelty 
pierce your memory like a sword of hatred ; for what can a 
spirit feel but humility before God. He is mightier than the 
evil one. This you will understand in the presence of spirits. 
What then must have been my judgment before the atoning 
blood of the Lamb ? What has released me from prison, you 
may ask. I pray you may ; for with seeking you will find ; and 
for the love of Christ I trust that you will never feel the intru- 
sion of sickening doubts. My life is purified now, and thus I 
have risen. I passed from earth, in the resurrection of my soul, 
with vanity of thought. Had I not been a kingly ruler during 
Herod's reign ? Was I not a man with the strength of a devil f 
Yea, verily, and more. I wielded the sword of justice with 
vigJiteous vengeance. I taught the people to slay their own off- 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 297 

spring, that is, God's own children. I was happy in my power 
of ruling, but God I never knew. May the heaven for which 
Christ died never escape your memory, nor ever fail to show you 
the distinction of a heaven-born King compared to a devil. And 
let the Lord be praised by the highest earthly tribunal, as by 
that created in heaven. I will find a million now to shout ho- 
sannas to God in the highest, glory and peace on earth, good will 
toward men. 

"Dear people, I am Pontius Pilate, the governor of the Jews. 
Prepare a superscription, and hail me the 'King,' as the devil 
held me. Approach me with swords and ignominious banners 
—with fingers of scorn and derision — with two-faced lies of af- 
fected blessings — with every horror in the category of hate ; 
and you will not then fulfill the programme of mockery which 
carried the Saviour into your home. Beautiful was he, born 
for his mission of love, and sanctified by all pure influences, — 
born for the destiny decreed by God, and assumed by his own 
beseeching will, for poor depraved humanity ! Mark me ! I 
shall never forget my life on earth. No matter how I am di- 
verted, never shall I cease to hear my Saviour's cries, or to see 
his agonies on Mt. Calvary, or to hear his voice of love and for- 
giveness. My spirit will ever feel the earthquake which evinced 
the Lord's power. (Take heed that the lesson be well learned ! ) 

" I am overwhelmed with misery, as shown to me in every 
phase of my guilt, by God's finger of wrath ; although never 
has he taught me the word fear. Tfio ; I am drowned with holy 
love ; I have been brought into the possession of blessings which 
surround me on all sides ; I am protected and helped by all ; I 
am endowed to the satisfaction of every desire ; and I am given 
all pureness of living and freedom of action. All goodness and 
kindness is mine, from God, and through his Son, whom I 
pierced with the spear of agony and hate. Can mortal imagine 
my existence? Can a holy spirit tell you of my agonies? No, 
never! Nor can mortal man or spirit power know the punish- 
ment of grief, or the humiliation of spirit, suffered by the in- 
famous and mortified executioner of the people's Teacher, and 
heavens holy Defender — by him who, in Biblical scorn, bears 
the name of Pontius Pilate, and the disdainful title of " Gov- 
ernor of the Jews." 



298 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

The control of this spirit held the brain of the me- 
dium in a state of complete concentration. During the 
whole time this communication was being written, there 
was not a single pause, notwithstanding the confusion 
and bustle of a number of persons in her vicinity; but, 
at the close she burst into tears, and for a considerable 
time could not check her weeping, so strongly was she 
imbued and overcome with the spirit's emotions. Truly 
it was said, " Memory outlasts time.' 1 Dreadful lesson ! * 

FKOM SAINT PETER. 

In marked contrast with Pilate's message was that of 
St. Peter, written on the 21st of January ensuing, with- 
out a call. The influence of this spirit was calm and 
beautiful, and spiritually joyous. The medium was sur- 
prised when she wrote : — 

"0, praise the Lord witli gladness ! Holy and reverend is 
his name ; and let every creature say Amen ! 

" I am Peter, the saint. My name is Biblical and sacred. I 
thank the Lord for my calling to good undertakings. Bear in 
mind, my beloved people, that nations should rejoice at their 
prospect of a great regeneration for themselves. Does not God 
offer you a sauctified hope, counterbalancing every misfortune 
that may arise ? Is not your life created and ordained by the 
Giver of life? Thank God for it by every emotion, and never 
weep or be cast down, as if in a dungeon of despair — the hope- 
less punishment for a sinner's gain. But thanks be to God, 
who giveth us the victory through Jesus Christ, our most blessed 
Lord and Saviour ! 

" May you find yourselves lifted up and purified by these most 
sacred teachings. Not every one who saith, ' Lord, Lord,' can 
enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but ONLY he who doetii 
(and that kindly) the will of his Father who IS IN heaven ; and 
by your glorification ye will know and perceive him truly. 

" Sacrifice yourselves one to another. Be diligent and perse- 

* See note on page 109. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 299 

vering in holy works ; and the Lord«of Hosts, your Sanctifier 
and Redeemer through his Son, will suddenly descend, and 
stretch forth his hand to you, and deliver you from your captiv- 
ity and inertness. 

" Bless the Lord, the True and Beautiful in your lives ; cast 
away the black heresy of death ; and find the Lord with you 
and in you always. May his grace never fail you, or his love 
leave you fruitless ; hut may you be without guile, and taste of 
the joys of heaven. 

"Remember the saints of old, and the history of the Jews ; 
and then you will understand the words of SAINT Peter, 
the enlightened by God. Thanks be to him forever and ever ! 
Amen ! 

" Teach this to God's people." 

The message of St. Peter, and the one to follow from 
St. Paul, were not written in the presence of the edi- 
tor ; and, while this section of the book was in the 
hands of the compositor, the latter thought proper to 
seek to obtain what might prove a further test to skep- 
tical minds. Before entering the presence of the me- 
dium, he asked God, if in accordance with his holy will, 
to permit St. John, the beloved disciple of the Blessed 
Saviour, to write a communication for the cause to 
which St. Peter and St. Paul had already contributed. 
Fifteen minutes afterward, the medium, without being 
told of whom the editor had thought, sat down and 
wrote the following sacred message, prefacing it by 
the oral announcement that one of the Evangelists was 
about to write : — 

" St. John, a member in the sphere of grace. Kind hearers, 
and beloved brethren, I meet you upon your sacred pathway to 
blissful heights. It behooves me to give you my name of old, 
as you know it ; but a sweeter and purer name I hold and own, 
now — one loved by all above and with me.* Shall I tell it in 

* This appears to agree with Revelation ii. 17 : iii. 12. 



300 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

words? Well, then, it is no other than Purity (stranger to the 
earth); and with its possession I thank the Giver of it with the 
fervor of a purified spirit, melting in grace, expanded into full 
love, and blessed forever by having a seat to speak at the right 
hand of God himself. Heavenly Teacher ! may thy will be 
done on earth as it is done in heaven ! And to the adversary be 
it said, verily, he will meet his reward, — saddest of all thoughts 
to a spirit who writes ! 

" I feel for your trials, my friend ; but righteousness will 
gain its day truly, although the world will not accept it with- 
out emblazoning figures and adornments of gold and silver 
— the meanest gifts of a Sovereign Power. What is the greatest 
gift to man ? you will ask. May I say, as the prophets of old 
(but new to God) delivered? It is charity, the offspring of 
that fruitful source which makes man love his neighbor as him- 
self, and God above all. Keep God with you. Let him govern 
your actions with his everlasting patience and beautiful com- 
passion. Be ye cheerful in your own good deeds, with the heart- 
felt words upon your lips forever : * God be merciful to me a 
sinner ! ' This will take away your dross, and refine you as 
never anything else can. It will also deliver you from the 
sacrilegious bondage of false light to a beautiful and expansive 
hope in the protection of God. 

" I have my Master with me now to embrace with rapture [the 
medium here saw a halo of brilliant light surround him]. He 
it is who merits all my care, and all my efforts to please him. 
He it is who rules the skies as he once taught on the earth. He 
it is who delights in you all, and never wearies ; for though the 
soil may seem poor and barren, he still avers that there is yet 
room for hope, that good will spring up, for which the time is 
not yet come ; * and we all, in the union of love and trust fully 
confide in him, and say, as of yore in our sacred teachings, 
' Amen ! As the Lord ordaineth, so be it ! ' 

" May Heaven's light be with you always, and the three, of 
heaven s pathway, will descend with me in the armor of Peace, 
to herald the glad tidings to the highest of the high — Glory to 
God ! Good will toward men ! 

* The thought is that expressed in Luke xiii. 8, 9. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 301 

" In honest intention, and sent from God for a supreme bless- 
ing to his beloved and unfeeling people, 

" Your brother in Christ, John, ihe forerunner." 

The historical association of the name " forerunner" 
with John the Baptist, here caused a doubt for a mo- 
ment as to whether this message had come from him or 
the Evangelist, when the medium was impressed to 
write : — 

" How you doubt me ! " 

To this was said : " God forbid we should doubt 
you; " and then was written : — 

" St. John, the Evangelist." 

Some time elapsed, while some of the points of the 
message were discussed ; and then it suddenly flashed 
across the editor's mind, that by forerunner he meant to 
indicate that, in writing this communication, he was the 
forerunner of a great salvation to mankind. This was 
said ; and then the medium felt a peculiar thrill, impell- 
ing her to write, and the following appeared : — 

" Yes, yes, yes. I have the happiness to affirm and sanction 
your thoughts in all humility. I am a forerunner of God's 
Truth : a Mightier One is there, thelatchet of whose shoes I am 
not worthy to unloose. Amen. 

"As Christ liveth, so I live in Christ's armor." 

FROM JOHiT THE BAPTIST. 

Almost immediately after the communication from 
St. John, to the surprise of the medium and others pres- 
ent, for it was not expected that any other message 
would be written, appeared the following : — 

" John the Baptist." 

Is it indeed John the Baptist ? 

'• Yes, sacredly. 

" As my noble friend has come and spoken, I think it my duty 
also to come, and lend a few trifling words, for so they may seem 
to you. But a mightier truth never did a man know, which to 



302 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

understand fully may, indeed, seem a small matter ; but it is 
far from being so. It is, truly and sincerely, a fact that God 
reigns above, to afford comfort to, and exact all homage from, 
the subjects of his love and power. They, indeed, truly merit 
a life free from stain; for each one is born in God's divine 
image, and is, verily, a spirit designed for the life of His calling. 
So hearken, dear brethren, to the words of your friend, who is 
grieving to see the children of God disowned, excluded from 
heavenly light, and all gone astray. 

"John the Baptist, I say, is a spirit who feels great joy to 
come in this manner ; and, indeed, I, the same spirit, feel will- 
ing to suffer pain rather than have you grow weary, or thrust 
me away. But God is above to purify all ; and, some day, he 
will take you and bless you ; and then we shall see and feel that 
all this is a reality, and that true sayings come only in this 
way. 

"I once performed a great and miraculous work ; but a greater 
and better have I done at this time, if I have converted a man's 
mind, and led him upward to feel God's love. As the light 
from heaven awaits your acceptance by faithful prayer and seek- 
ing, so I, with the intermingling of Faith, Hope, and Charity, 
bid you farewell, but only for a short time, which will never- 
theless bring you, in a straight and narrow pathway, to the por- 
tal at which no beggar is refused who asks with humility, and 
expects with the eyes of Faith. Alas ! too long would it take 
me to disclose to you the pleasures above ; but my mission is 
accomplished, if you find your hearts drawn upward toward the 
heavenly seat of Peace and Grace. 

" Humbly in the portal of Hope I stand, and point to the home 
which awaits you above. Aim high ; be sincere ; and don't fear 
a few strokes ; but turn a deaf ear to everything that speaks of 
death or death's dread ; for the Lord of Hosts is near to save, 
and he it is who both asks and gives. 

" Farewell, dear friend, and brethren in union. 

" John, a humble servant of the Lord's." 

FROM ST. PAUL. 

On the 7th of February, a lady of great purity and 
spirituality of character — an earnest and devoted mem- 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 303 

ber of the Protestant Episcopal Church — being present 
with the medium, asked for a message from St. Paul. 
The following was immediately written : — 

"Paul, the slayer of the Jews, of the kingdom of Israel. 
My beloved people, it is with great sympathy that I look upon 
your wrong-doings in the flesh. I was often tempted in like 
manner,* and every man is born with the trial fast upon him. 
His infancy is but a time of fostering ; and, if not well looked 
after, he will take the broad road which will lead him to his 
final destruction ; for the Apostles all tell you, narrow is the way 
which leads to eternal life. The fountain of everlasting bliss is 
open and free to all who will accept. Why, then, my kindred, 
do you choose darkness, instead of light? Why, grief for joy? 
Why anxiety for rest ? You cannot comprehend God's rest in 
heaven — no mortal can. 

c< I am a spirit whose teachings were the outpourings of a fer- 
vent heart, enraptured with the perfect vision of God's love. 
It carried me beyond the earth land into the sphere of spirits. f 
He that findeth it shall cover himself with glory ; but he that 
despiseth it shall cover himself with shame, at the last great 
day of final decision for himself. Remember NOW thy Creator 
in the days of thy youth! God is plenteous in mercy, in long- 
suffering, in great and inconceivable kindness. May he give 
you the acceptable portion which cometh to the just ! 

" Why, my dear people, need the Truth of God be repeated ? 
Study to understand God's word. All die in Jesus Christ, and 
ALL live again through him.} I behold him now, a risen saint, 
purer than any spirit in heaven. Go thou, and do likewise, and 
create a saint-like home for your abiding above, by self-sacrifice 
and humility. These, together with charity and good will 
toward men, are the powers which will lead you to Christ's 
home. Riches hath no man in the Kingdom of Heaven. He 
needs but one thing — the pearl of great price, namely, purity. 

" Praise ye the Lord with might and gladness. Offer to him 
your heart's feelings of joy. Prayer and thanksgiving should 
be your daily feasting, giving you a bounteous store to live by 

* Romans vii 14-25 ; 2 Cor. xii. 7. t 2 Cor xii. 2-5. JSee Romans vi. 8. 



304 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

and for. Throw off vain-glorying and covetousness, and assist 
eacli man his neighbor ; and the Lord will receive you, with 
benign glory, into your welcome rest in heaven. 

' ' Amen ! saith the prophet. Amen ! saith the priest. Amen I 
saith the King. Amen ! saith Saint Paul, the healer of the Jews, 
and the glorifier of the Lord's name from one generation to 
another. Past and present are one to God ; and without end. 
"Amen ! say Cherubim and Seraphim."* 

With these glorious and sublime words, from a spirit 
of the far distant spheres of heavenly purity, truth, and 
exaltation, this wonderful series of communications is 
terminated for the present. The evangel goes forth 
to mankind — an evangel of divine truth and holiness. 
May it u inspire the JJnioersal Church with the spirit of 
truth, unity, and concord " ; and may " all those who do 
confess thy holy Name — Almighty and ever-living God, 
agree in the truth of Thy word," as shown here, as well 
as in the Scriptures, and u live in unity, and godly 
love ! "t 

* These three communications, from St. Peter, St. John, and St. Paul, 
appear to show a remarkable coincidence in style of thought and spiritual 
tone, so to speak, with the Epistles of those sacred personages in the Scrip- 
tures. In the first, there is a fullness and heartiness of spiritual feeling ; in 
the second, an angelic simplicity and lovingnees ; and in the third, a lofty 
intellectual fervor, as from a conviction of the understanding as well as a 
submission of the entire spiritual nature to God and His blessed Son. 

t "The fullness of time has come, when the mysteries of the Kingdom 
need no longer be clothed in parables, and shrouded in dark sayings of old. 
The opening of the heavens promised by the Lord himself is upon us. The 
air of the world is tremulous with ancestral voices prophesying change. The 
heart of humanity is expectant. ' A New Era of Science and Development ', 
exclaims the philosopher ! The 'New Heavens and the New Earth ', whis- 
pers the Christian. Some say, ' Lo ! here !— others, ' Lo ! there ! ' The 
High Triests and Scribes and all the old Oracles move on. as before, uncon- 
scious that their systems and philosophies are death-stricken. '1 he light 
has come. But the blind will not see it : for do not all things move in 
circles, and the old facts perpetually recnr ? ' The Light shineth in dark- 
ness, and the darkness comprehended it not.' " — Dr. Holcombe. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 305 



IX. 



IMPORTANCE OF THE SPIRIT WRITINGS. 

Those who have thoughtfully read the communica- 
tions presented in the preceding chapters, will scarcely 
need to have their importance pointed out ; but it is 
thought advisable to offer here a few considerations with 
this end in view, since they may not be obvious to all 
readers. In the first place, it may be useful to sum- 
marize the great truths taught in these communications 
— not as conclusions reached by the understanding 
through a process of reasoning, nor as mere visions of 
the fancy addressed to the hopes of mankind — but as 
living realities attested by those who have actually ex- 
perienced them, and hence knoio of what they speak — 
as facts to be received into the heart, and to stand for- 
ever as guide-posts to a pure and noble life. 

1. We are taught the grandest of all truths, namely, 
that, after the death of the body, there is for all an im- 
mortal state of existence stretching out into eternity — 
bright and blissful beyond conception for those who have 
led pure and noble lives here below, but inconceivably 
dark and wretched for those whose earthly lives have 
been stained with vice and crime. 

2. We learn, beyond a question, that the future life is 
one of constant progression, all entering it with the char- 
acteristics, tendencies, and capacities for improvement 
acquired during the earth life. Those who have culti- 
vated their intellectual, moral, and spiritual natures dur- 
ing this state of trial and probation will take an advanced 



306 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

position in the supramundane spheres ; while, on the 
other hand, those who have wasted their opportunities 
for improvement, and have lived vicious and debasing 
lives, will pass into the lower spheres of spiritual being 
amid companions of a spiritual condition and character 
resembling their own ; and in this condition will expe- 
rience, from repentance and remorse, all the suffering 
which naturally follows their misdeeds, and which is 
needed for their purification and advancement. 

3. The great fundamental fact of the personality of 
God is shown with irresistible force and clearness. The 
spirits of the departed — even the unprogressed, — on 
passing into the eternal world appear very soon to be- 
come aware of this fact, and are overawed by the over- 
whelming sense of the omnipotence and infinite justice 
and purity of the Supreme Being; while the progressed 
spirits feel, with inconceivable intensity, the infinite love 
of their Heavenly Father. They do not fear him, for 
''perfect love casteth out fear"; but they learn their 
true mission, as his children, — to do good to others — 
following the example of Christ ; and thus as "minister- 
ing spirits " they serve God with the fondest devotion. 

4. Heaven is depicted as a blessed place and state, in 
which love reigns supreme— such love as the Saviour 
manifested and taught while on earth, when he came to 
bring to mankind a knowledge of their immortal des- 
tiny, and to show them how to live and also how to die. 
In the scenes which it presents to the spirit eye, it is 
magnificent and glorious beyond expression or concep- 
tion — no description except in general terms being com- 
prehensible by mortal mind. There is to be found 
scope for the exercise of every spiritual faculty, and 
means for the gratification of every pure desire. All 



SPIRITUAL COMMZTNICATIONS. 307 

the inhabitants of those heavenly mansions know each 
other as they are ; and hence there can be neither hy- 
pocrisy nor deceit; and as every evil passion is elimin- 
ated all is peace, harmony, and satisfaction ; and yet all 
of the dwellers there are ever striving with a holy am- 
bition to rise to a higher state of culture and felicity, 
and to enlarged capacities for useful work in the cause 
of their Saviour. 

5. Hell, on the other hand, is a place and state in which 
the devil — the spiritual impersonation of evil — reigns su- 
preme. Life here (or spiritual death) is characterized 
by everything antagonistic to the divine nature — hate, 
malignity, falsehood, and all their dreadful concomitants. 
Hence, in that dread abode, there is nothing but strife 
and disquiet — all trying to torment each other, and tak- 
ing a devilish pleasure in this infernal occupation. How 
expressive is the exclamation contained in one of these 
communications : " I am among such horrible spirits 
that my disgust is unbounded ! " and of another: "My 
friends were not of my own c1ioosi)ig y ; and of the 
spirit Poe : " I felt as in a desert of black despair, or 
among a set of ravenous wolves ready to devour me 
with hate, or laugh me down to perdition " ; while the 
spirit of Byron speaks with significance of the " horrible 
leers " of his demon associates, while in the unprogressed 
state. Imagine, dear reader, a large community here 
on earth, in which all civil government and laws have been 
suspended — the prisons opened and their inmates set 
free to exercise their vile passions unchecked, and no 
restraint to exist upon the malignity, recklessness, and 
cupidity of any of the people, and all to become a scene 
of vengeance, havoc, and brutal orgies ; — this would be 
pandemonium, and such is the spiritual hell. But, while 



308 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

there is no everlasting fire and brimstone, according to 
the figurative description of the place of fallen spirits 
usually received as literally correct, remorse is to the 
spirit worse than any physical burning that the body 
could be subject to. Its agonies no mortal can con- 
ceive. 

6. But in connection with this dreadful picture, the 
glorious truth is indubitably shown that the love of 
God is never forfeited. The sinner, writhing in the 
agony of despair, may believe that he is lost beyond re- 
demption — especially as the result of false teaching upon 
earth. But this is not so ; the prodigal, even from the 
depths of hell, may return to his loving Father, and be 
forgiven. He must, however, repent in order to obtain 
forgiveness. Prayers of contrition can alone lift him 
above the abyss of the dark world and bring him where 
he can receive the ministrations of God's angels of 
mercy. Hence, if there be spirits that can never be 
brought to repentance (which God forbid!), they must 
remain in darkness forever. The angels, however, do 
not believe this ; for the editor's brother, John, who 
has been in the spirit world nearly fifty years, having 
died in infancy, said, in answer to the question, " Are 
there any that will not be saved ? " " NO ; do not say 
such things. My spirit will MELT ! " Besides, many 
of the communications show the great change that takes 
place, in a very short time, in the condition of repentant 
spirits. Time alone, however, and in many cases a very 
long time, is required to produce thorough purification, 
a or cessation of remorse ; for the memory of a spirit is 
something fearful to contemplate. Some awful examples 
of this are given in these communications. 

In this connection, it may be said that the chief ele- 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 30D 

*nent in the punishment of the wicked appears to be the 
consciousness of having disobeyed and opposed Him 
whose love is so overwhelming, that they are as it were 
drowned in sorrow and remorse. No one but a spirit 
can fully understand this; but we can partially at least 
conceive of it. What think you, dear reader, must that 
repentant prodigal have felt when his loving father fell 
on his neck and kissed him, and during the feast given 
in his honor ? Let him who is living a life of sin or 
blind ingratitude toward the Merciful Father of all, 
think of this, and anticipate the time, when the thought 
of his neglect and disobedience will pierce him as with 
the stings often thousand scorpions. 

And let no man vainly think that his sins can be for- 
given— -or their forgiveness absolutely declared — by any 
ol his fellow creatures, however ordained through human 
agency. He that depends upon man's absolution, will 
iind, in the eternal world, his eyes opened, and will truly 
and sadly feel that he has, indeed, leant upon a " broken 
reed." Nor let any set of men arrogate to themselves 
the power to forgive sins, or to absolve their fellow-men 
from the just consequences of their misdeeds. These 
must be suffered ; and they who teach men the contrary, 
thus beguiling them into an easy indifference as to their 
guilt, will feel the deepest regret for their blindness and 
presumption, when they pass to that state of being in 
which God and his creatures appear in their true rela- 
tions. 

7. We are taught, as by a demonstration of Euclid, 
that prayer is the great spiritual force in God's universe. 
" Ask, and ye shall receive." Oh ! how true are those 
blessed words of our Divine Master ! The exp riments 
made by those who have received these communications 



310 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

have been followed by such results as ought to be suffi- 
cient to convince the most benighted materialist. For 
these messages have come in answer to prayer ; indeed 
they could not have been written, excej)t through the 
power of God, holding the dark spirits in check and 
giving protection to those blessed spirits who came to 
use the medium and those associated with her to aid in 
the regeneration of fallen humanity. Let those who 
doubt this remember that even the blessed Saviour was 
tempted by the Evil One; and that it was only after 
his victory over those wicked wiles, that the "angels 
came and ministered unto him." The reader must re- 
member that we are encompassed by hordes of unpro- 
gressed spirits, who are armed with great force against 
us by our sinful inclinations, but are repelled by the 
prayer which brings to our protection the blessed spirit 
of the Omnipotent Father, who will " give his angels 
charge over us to keep us in all our ways •' ; and not 
only to our protection, but to that of the blessed spirits 
who are always striving to impress mankind for their 
good. The spirit of Sir Isaac Newton aptly compares 
this power to the force of universal gravitation, the law 
of which he was the first to make known to mankind; 
and it was illustrated by the remark of another spirit 
who, after a peculiarly successful sitting, said : " We 
are strong to-night through your prayers." Again 
and again have the good spirits warned those with whom 
they wished to communicate to preserve prayerful in- 
clinations — to keep God in their hearts, or the com- 
munications would be broken in upon by un progressed 
spirits (devils). With this realizing sense of the power 
of prayer, well may the Christian exclaim, " Though I 
walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death, I will 



SPIRITUAL C0MMUN1CA TIONS. 3 ] 1 

fear no evil ; for Thou art with me ; Thy rod and Thy 
staff they comfort me.' 7 Every spirit has borne wit- 
ness to this power of prayer, either by enjoining it upon 
ourselves, or asking our prayers for his assistance. 
" Pray always — in church and out of church," says one 
spirit ; while the spirit of the Rev. S. D. Ferguson de- 
fines and enjoins prayer in the following terms: "A 
prayer is but an aspiration for purity. It need not be 
upon your knees ; it need not be by yourself; it need 
not be with others; but it only need be with God." 
(See page 268.) 

8. We are thus enlightened as to the usefulness of 
" prayers for the dead " — not a Protestant doctrine, but 
nevertheless sanctioned by the Scriptures, and by the 
early usages of the Christian churches. It is true that 
Christ did not specifically enjoin it; but of this there 
appears to have been no need. It seems to have been 
the practice of his times ; and, therefore, in not condemn- 
ing it he sanctioned it. Indeed, with his knowledge of 
God and the future world, it was not for him to suppose 
that any could be so short-sighted as to limit the mercy 
of Him whose loving kindness is infinite, to the short 
span of this sublunary life. St. Peter, however, appears 
to have realized the fact fully, as he says, "Christ 
preached to the spirits in prison." This subject has, in 
recent years, been fully discussed by several Protestant 
clergymen, who take a decided stand in support of the 
doctrine. In this connection the words of the Rev. 
Frederick George Lee may properly be cited : — 

"When ancient services used of old in this Church [Angli- 
can] and realm are carefully compared with those now in the 
Prayer Book, it is impossible not to regret the loss we have sus- 
tained by the change. No doubt our present Burial Service is 



312 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

solemn, dignified, and touching, and full of consolation to the 
mourners. But it is nevertheless intentionally and eminently 
selfish. The living rather than the departed are considered 
throughout it, while the dead are almost entirely forgotten. 
And what during the past three centuries, has been the reason- 
able consequence of this uncharitable f orgetf ulness ? Even 
this — that our funerals have by degrees become more and more 
distinctively heathen in their character, and less Christian than 
ever. {Christian Doctrine of Prayer for the Departed — London, 
1872.) 

The following Liturgy of the Church of Abyssinia is 
selected from twenty-one specimens of Christian litur- 
gies collected by Mr. Lee for evidence and illustration. 
The germ of it is the ancient Liturgy of St. Mark: — 

" From the throne of Thine unconceived glory, vouchsafe, O Lord, to look 
with the eye of pity and compassion on the souls of the faithful departed, 
the works of Thine own hands. Be merciful unto them, O Great King, and 
forgive their past transgressions, putting away the rememhrance of former 
sias, because of Thine own dear Son. Leave them not desolate in a place of 
darkness and terror, but lift up their eyes to the land of paradise, and satisfy 
their longings with the waters of Thy comfort Protect them from the incur- 
sions of their foe, and shield them by the hand of Thine omnipotence. Call 
them, in their day of rejoicing, to delight in Thy heavenly mansions, where 
light, and peace, and joy unspeakable are for ever and ever. We ask this 
both for quick and dead because of Thine only-begotten. Son, in whom con- 
tinually we place our hope and trust."" 

The careful reader will not fail to perceive in this 
beautiful prayer the exact and perfect correspondence, 
in the truths indirectly referred to, to those in the spirit 
communications given in this work. This is offered not 
for confirmation of these truths, but to show that they 
are not discordant with the teachings and practices of 
primitive Christianity, from which our present churches 
appear, in some respects, to have departed. 

9. If nothing more should be said of the teachings 
of these communications, it might be asserted that their 
Christian character has not been completely shown ; but 
this is very far from being the case. Christ's historical 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 313 

existence, his office as the Saviour of mankind, his mis- 
sion as the "Prince of Peace,' 1 his character as the Son 
of God, his work of redemption on earth, his atoning 
sacrifice as the Lamb, and his present spiritual reign in 
heaven, are all fully recognized, and impressed upon 
the minds of men as verities beyond a question, since 
they are enunciated or referred to as the facts of spirit- 
ual experience by those who are now dwelling in the 
" many mansions " spoken of by the blessed Jesus, when 
he was on earth, as the apartments of his '* Father's 
house." Before this how weak and unsatisfactory ap- 
pear the so-called " evidences of Christianity," as pre- 
sented by the strongest and most spiritual of minds ! 
Subjective evidence was, indeed, never wanting; but 
here we have an objective proof unquestionable and irre- 
sistible, — aye, far more powerful than the light which 
was given to the persecuting Saul, Avith the voice of ex- 
clamation, "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?" 

Such being the case, is the editor and compiler wrong 
in presenting this work to his fellow-men as affording a 
demonstration of the Christian Faith ? And is Chris- 
tian faith so strong, or so general, at present as to need 
no farther assurance from heaven ? With truth has one 
of the most distinguished scientists and thinkers of the 
present day, attributed the spread cf lawlessness and 
crime to the " decline of faith among men ; " and it has 
been well said by a religious journal, " Infidelity organ- 
ized has begun to attack not only Christianity, but the 
constitution of society." Yes; and if this new illumina- 
tion is rejected (but it cannot be rejected, for it is of 
God), then, indeed, will socialism, communism, nihilism 
(dreadful word !) undermine all the foundations of the 
social fabric ; and those who are too proud and conceited 



314 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

to see the truth in time, and help to spread it among 
mankind, will be buried in the ruins. 

10. The "fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of 
man" constituted the central truth of Christ's teachings, 
and also of these communications. " Love God and 
love one another " is echoed and re-echoed through these 
messages of spiritual truth ; and as Christ taught, so 
these teach, that the observance of this law is all that is 
necessary for salvation — for the attainment of a state of 
bliss and endless progress after the death of the body. 
In this respect the doctrine of these communications is 
eminently Christian. 

11. It is not, however, sectarian or denominational. 
It does not favor any particular fokm of belief or worship. 
If God be truly loved, and worshiped in spirit and in 
truth, forms are of no consequence ; and all creeds are 
subordinate to these all-essential conditions. Catholic 
and Protestant, Roman and Greek, Jew and Gentile, — 
all are the children of God's love, and subjects of 
Christ's redemption ; ami all attain the higher conditions 
of spiritual excellence and happiness in proportion as 
they conform to the only essential conditions of love to 
God, and, as a necessary consequence, love to man. 
There is only one baptism really essential, and that is 
the baptism of the Holy Spirit y but others are harmless 
unless they lead astray. The teachings of this book 
attack no form of Christian faith, provided it be Chris- 
tian; but as far as the so-called Christian churches de- 
part from genuine primitive Christianity, in the simplicity 
in which Christ presented it to men, these writings 
attack all; and the truth contained in them will over- 
turn all error and confound all those who oppose it. 
The mighty agencies behind this spiritualistic move- 






SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 315 

ment will, in God's providence and in his own time, 
there is every reason to believe, continue the warfare 
against falsehood and wickedness, and the Evil One, 
its author — till man's salvation is assured, and the holy 
prophecies of the past shall have been all fulfilled. 

12. Moreover, we are taught that by humility alone 
can we receive the truth which is able to save our 
souls. Of this fact, the illustrations are innumerable. 
"Be not wise in your own conceits," says the Apostle; 
while the words of the Saviour, it will be remembered, 
were: " Except ye become as little children, ye shall 
not enter into the Kingdom of Heaven ; " and " Who- 
soever shall humble himself as this little child, the same 
is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven." This is the 
hardest of all lessons to learn ; for conceit and preju- 
dice govern a very large part of mankind.* 

How many there are who will confidently condemn 
and deride, without examination, the conclusions which 
others have reached after years of patient study and in- 
vestigation ! 

The above summary shows what are the facts and 
precepts which the spirit intelligences of the higher 
spheres are so anxious to impress upon the minds of 
men. The editor feels that he has not, and that he can- 
not, present these glorious and sublime teachings with 

* Pope well said : 

" Of all the causes which conspire to blind 

Man b erring judgment, and misguide the mind, 

What the weak head with strongest bias ruleb', , 

Is pride ; the never failing vice of fools. 

Whatever nature has in worth denied, 

She gives in large recruits of needful pride ! 

Prid ■. where wil fails, steps in to our defense, 

And tills up all the mighty void of sense. 

If once bright reason drives that cloud away 

Truth breaks upon us with resistless day.*' 



316 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

the clearness and force worthy of so great a revelation. 
But let the communications themselves be carefully 
studied ; and if candor and the desire for truth prevail 
in the mind of him who thus studies them, a spiritual 
illumination will result, which will supersede the re- 
quirement of all adventitious illustration and argument. 
And it must be borne in mind (for the editor solemnly 
asserts it to be the truth, deny it in blindness who^oaver 
will) that these writings have been given by inspiration, 
and in a manner probably analogous to that by which 
the messages of Holy Writ were received— -of course 
not directly by Divine influx, but indirectly so, since 
imparted by those spirits who, in all they do, feel that 
they are performing the mission assigned to them, as 
they say, by the blessed Saviour, and sanctioned, of 
course, by their Almighty Father and Sovereign. To 
this view, futile, if not scornful, objections will be raised; 
such as, why should a revelation come in this way, or 
by these persons,* or at this late day ? Such, be it re- 
membered, were the objections urged against the mis* 
sion of Jesus. The manner in which he came, the per- 
sons he selected as his' disciples, the methods in which 
he demonstrated (to humble and candid minds) the 
truth of his gospel, and more especially his precepts — so 
simple and yet so effective, but so antagonistic to the 
ecclesiasticism and dogmatic teachings of the times, — ■ 
all gave offense, and excited the most devilish passions 
on the part of those of his hearers who were connected 
with the corrupt and corrupting institutions which he 

* " Nay, God chose the foolish things of the world that he might put to 
shame the wise men ; and God chose the weak things of the world that he 
might put to shame the things which are strong. . . . That no flesh should 
glory before God."— 1 Cor. i. 27-29. 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 317 

came to overthrow.* The same phenomena marked the 
career of his apostles, — passionate denial, derision, scorn, 
persecution, and death ; but the words of the wise and 
learned Gamaliel were fulfilled : " Refrain from these 
men, and let them alone : for if this counsel or this work 
be of men, it will come to naught; but, if it be of God, 
ye cannot overthrow it, lest haply ye be found even to 
fight against God." (Acts v. 38, 39.) 

Let us not presume to dictate to God, or to criticise 
his providential dispensations, by the oj)eration of our 
petty judgment, in arrogantly asking, why this revela- 
tion by means of spirit communion is given to mankind 
at this " late day." Doubtless, the present condition of 
the human mind, while generally rejecting religious or 
supersensuous truth as illusory is really better adapted 
to receive it without falling back into superstition. It 
is true that spirit-writing exists, to a greater or less de- 
gree, and has existed for ages, among the Chinese, and 
perhaps other Oriental nations; but, in the benighted 
condition of their minds, it seems, as far as is known, to 
assume the form cf a degrading superstition.! Certainly, 
in the manner in which it is practiced, as described by 
travelers, no enlightened spirit intelligence could com- 
municate, and hence the messages received can be only 
such as are calculated to deceive or injure those who 



* " Beware, therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the 
prophets : Behold, ye de>pisers ; and wonder, and perish ; for I work a 
work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise helieve, though a man 
declare it unto you."— Acts xiii. 40, 41. 

tSee an interesting article on Spirit Writing in Clmia in Blackwood s Mag. 
azine, April 1 S(>3 ; also Ilowitfs History of ih» Supernatural, Vol. 1. pp. Ill, 
415. One of the Chinese mediums, in 1843, announced from the spirits the 
coming of a new pretender to the throne ; and the consequence was, that 
three of the invoking party were arrested and beheaded. The communi" 
cations from the spirits were, however, perfectly in accord with the facts 
as they afterwards occurred. 



318 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

obtain them. Spirit intercourse may be the greatest 
and purest of all blessings, or the blackest curse to 
mankind. Divination, witchcraft, sorcery, and necro- 
mancy* are to be greatly condemned ; for these are not 
spiritual gifts, nor can they be carried on by means of 
angelic "ministering spirits." In an age of materialism, 
atheism, and general disbelief in everything not derived 
from the exercise of the bodily senses, any spiritualistic 
phenomena may, indeed, be useful, in recalling the 
human mind from its vain and arrogant denial of spirit, 
immortality, and God ; and demonstrating to it that 
there are forces and intelligences, the existence and op- 
eration of which cannot be explained by any hypothesis 
deduced from physical laws. As far as such phenom- 
ena are thus useful in giving to mankind a knowledge 
of the future world and their relations to it, the good 
spirits may aid in the production of these effects, how- 
ever trivial and undignified they may appear to us; 
beyond this, such manifestations would be left to the 
unprogressed spirits, who might amuse themselves, in 
terrifying, deceiving, or mocking the living, in this way. 
Doubtless, if mankind were brought to believe that, 
instead of exercising their own faculties, they could 
have recourse to the spirit world, and by the aid thus 
received obtain the gratification of their desires here on 
earth, the race would very soon relapse into a state of 
superstitious degradation. But the present advance- 
ment of the human mind forbids this. The progress in 
material science has taught man to understand the 

*By necromancy (vsxpoS uavrsia) is here meant the attempt tofartt&ll 
future events relating to secular interests by consulting the spirits of the de- 
parted. This the Scriptures condemn, as do also and strongly these Spiritual 
Communications They are thus spiritual in the highest sense. (Compare 
Acts xi 12-14 with Acts xvi. 16-18.) 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 319 

powers of nature ; and the progress of the useful arts 
has shown him on what he may rely for the acquisition 
of all the necessities, conveniences, and luxuries of this 
life. He has learned in this way self-reliance ; he has 
learned to prize mental freedom, and to discountenance 
all efforts on the part of ecclesiastical or political 
powers to limit it; and hence he has become not only 
confident in his own opinions, but tolerant of those of 
his fellow-men. 

But, alas ! his scientific progress has conducted him to 
the negation of God, as his Creator and Father, and of 
spiritual things ; and the subjective evidence to be ob- 
tained by prayer to, and communion with, the Infinite 
Spirit, becomes powerless to convince him, for he re- 
gards nothing except the visible, the sensible, the tan- 
gible. What shall then be done ? Shall the All-Mer- 
ciful One allow his children, in blindness, to be lost — to 
plunge themselves into u horrible sufferings," or shall he 
in his omnipotence, interpose, as in the past he^always 
has interposed ; to bring his loved ones to the light? 
Certainly, he may be expected to present to his crea- 
tures just the revelation they need; and, at this time, 
with the habits of thought that have led them astray 
they need objective proof; 5 " and it is this that spirit 
intercourse, in all its forms, has given ; and within a. 
generation the belief in it — called Modern Spiritualism 
— has gone round the world; and millions of human 

*In illustration of this, the following extract from a recent lectnre by an 
eminent physician and spiritualist (Dr. J. R. Buchanan) is here presented :— 
" There is nothing which shall not be known— nothing which can be hid- 
den. The Christian shall see Christ as he is to-day, and as he was on the 
cross, for he is a Comforter, forever coming to those who seek him ; and I 
know this as a matter of positive science, which I am willing and fearless to pro- 
claim before the skeptical world of scientists." (Lecture delivered in Everett 
Hall, Brooklyn, Dec. 26, 1878.) 



320 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATION}*. 

beings have been brought to a conscious personal knowl- 
edge of their Heavenly Father through its means. 
Scientists have been converted from materialism; 
clergymen have been lifted out of the darkness of big- 
otry, and many of the poor outcasts of society have 
learned how to bear their miseries, and to look for com- 
pensation from the infinite justice of their Creator, be- 
yond the tomb. 

In an ignorant, bigoted, persecuting age, this spiritu- 
alistic movement would have been arrested with fire 
and sword; and the " ministering spirits" would, prob- 
ably, have retired, and have waited, in the providence 
of God, for a time of greater enlightenment. Perhaps 
this was the case at the time of the witchcraft excite- 
ment. Now, however, persecution must take other 
forms ; and, notwithstanding the malign efforts of bigots, 
materialists, and blind simpletons, this great wave of 
Spiritualism moves on, gradually lifting the human race, 
and the social system, into better, happier, and more 
hopeful conditions. The result will be a great revolu- 
tion ; but its successful accomplishment will be hailed, 
there can be no doubt, with joyous hosannas to God, by 
the blessed spirits of the higher spheres, who still, as we 
learn, are looking with intense interest upon those — 
their fellow-creatures — whom God sent his Son to save. 

The mission of this book is to convert men to Christ- 
ianity, by affording objective evidence of the truth of 
its great doctrines ; — by demonstrating to them the ex- 
istence of the future world, with all its joys and dread- 
ful retributions, so that their faith shall become vital, 
active, and irresistible; — by compelling them to listen 
to the warning voice of conscience, or the voice of God 
speaking to their souls ; — by teaching them, in part at 



SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 321 

least, the mysteries contained in the little word LOVE, — 
the angel's lesson, even in the highest sphere from which 
the slightest whisper has come to man — for " God is 
love," and to know truly what love is, is to know God 
himself; — and, finally, by showing man his great dig- 
nity, as the image of his Creator, endowed with FREE 
WILL to choose " betwixt the devil and his angels of 
destruction, and the most merciful God of love and de- 
lightful promise." 

Much more might be said in this connection ; but 
further comment is superfluous. The editor, for the 
present at least, has performed the task imposed upon 
him — he has given these wondrous messages to man- 
kind, as far as this book may find readers ; and he might 
close with the exclamation of Kepler, in presenting to 
the skeptical world of science in his day the book which 
announced his discovery of the great harmonic law of 
the planetary system : "Nothing holds me; I will in- 
dulge in my sacred fury. If you forgive me, I rejoice ; 
if you are angry, I can bear it. The die is cast, the book 
is written, — to be read either now or by posterity." 
But he would say this not with vainglory, but under 
the sense of having performed the most important duty 
of his life — the neglect of which must have brought upon 
him the remorseful grief of ages. 

His task is done ; but, O reader, what of yours f 
Think (if you cannot believe), what if these messages 
are really, just as they profess to be, — those of truth, 
mercy, and love, coming from the glorious spheres of 
bliss, to YOU ! Think, what will be your feelings, in 
the future, when all earthly things have passed away, 
and time to you shall be no more, if you disdainfully, 
blindly, and foolishly reject them. Will you not, as you 
look back upon the past, curse the willfulness and blind 



322 SPIRITUAL COMMUNICATIONS. 

conceit with which you shut your eyes against the truth, 
thus brought before you ? Anticipate that dreadful 
hour, and read not to contradict and captiously impugn, 
but to weigh candidly, humbly, and prayerfully ; and 
then accept or cast aside. May God help you to a 
right spirit and a right decision, and enlist your sympa- 
thies in a cause which will bring yourself, and all man- 
kind, to the light of everlasting truth, and to the super- 
nal glory of God's heavenly mansions — to the " house 
not made with hands, eternal in the heavens ! " 

And to you, O Christian ministers, divinely called as 
you are, or should be, to enlighten mankind as to their 
future spiritual destiny, this light especially comes, and 
with it a great responsibility. You may close your eyes 
against it in pride and derision, you may withhold it from 
your people, lest it disturb the institutional forms to 
which your minds are wedded, and in which your 
worldly interests are involved ; but it may be permitted 
to a layman to say, in all respect and humility, you can- 
not, consistently with your sacred function,— to teach 
and warn mankind, ignore this great Truth, thus brought 
to your assistance, and so much needed at present to 
give life and power to your ministrations. You must at 
least investigate it — humbly and prayerfully. 

God himself, through the mouth of his holy prophet 
Ezekiel* has told each of his ministers what the awful 
responsibilities of his vocation are. May God grant 
that the blood of no sinner be " required at any of your 
hands "for the want of warning; an 1 that God may 
not have to say : " Behold I am against the Shep- 
herds," because they a fed themselves and fed not my 
flock "; but ".Twill feed my flock, and cause them to 
lie down, saith the Lord God." 

*Ezekiel xxxiii. 2-9 : xxxiv. 10. 



APPENDIX. 



i. 

Chronological Summary of the Spirit Writings. 

The reader who desires to understand fully the marvelous 
character of these writings is requested to read each series of 
communications presented in this summary, using the references 
in the Index. He will then perceive how foolish it would be to 
suppose that these writings could have been executed by means 
of the simple intelligence of the medium, by conscious or " un- 
conscious cerebration " — a term invented by " scientists" to dis- 
guise their ignorance and save them the trouble of investigation, 
or rather, perhaps, to prop up their wretched materialism. Had 
she the literary ability (which she has not) to compose them 
herself, adapting each to the character of the person represented 
as communicating, could she have done it without study or jtre- 
meditation ? Of this, it is solemnly averred, there was none ; 
for, generally, she knew not who was to be called for, or who 
was to write, before sittting down and taking the pencil in 
hand. This summary is inserted here as additional evidence 
and illustration of the facts narrated in the book itself ; and 
particularly for the benefit of those who have never seen any 
spirit writings, or other form of mediumship. Only the most 
important series are given. The time required to write each 
scries is given in the last column. 



Date 



1878. 



Aug. 
Sept. 



COMM UNICATIONS. 



Various Com. from Shakespeare. 

Wm. B., Sr. James Kelly. M. 
K. Lucy. A. J. May. Charles W. 
F. K. II. Raymond. J. Hecker. 
W. B., Jr. R. Watta 

(323) 



Time. 



H hr. 



lirs. 



324 



APPENDIX. 



Date. 



Oct. 13. 



Dec. 



6. 
24. 



23. 

8. 



15. 





< t 


25 
29. 


1879. 


Jan. 


3. 




it 


5. 




it 


12. 




< t 
tt 


15. 

1(5. 
19. 



Communications. 



20. 



Washington (3 Com.). Colum- 
bus 

Judge E. , 4 Com. and colloquies. 

W. B., Sr. F. K. Mozart (3 
Com.). Mrs. M. Dr. Hunt. Judge 
E. (2 Com.), and six others. , 

Mrs. D. Jas. Kelly. J. Ilecker. 
J. W. Cr., and five others 

Shakespeare. Washington. A. 
Lincoln (2 Com.), and several 
others 

Newton (2 Com.). Lafayette. .. 

Prof. Smythe (2 Com.). Judge 
E. (several com.) H. J. R. S. B,., 
and several others 

Mrs. D. Mrs. M. M. K. E. 
A. Poe. Eichard Smythe. St. 
Augustine 

S. R. Rev. S. D. F. (2 Com.). 
Judge E. John Hecker. W. B., 
Sr. and Jr 

Swedenborg (2 Com.). John K. , 
and three others 

Bvron, several Com. and collo- 



TlME, 



quics 

M. McX. M. K. B., Sr. Cor- 
oner S. W. M. T 

Archbishop Hughes. Mrs. Ed- 
monds 

Judge E. Martin Luther. Mrs. 
Lindon. M. McX. Judge E. (col- 
loquy). Moses 

Moses 

Pontius Pilate 

Judge E. Calvin (2 Com.) 

Prince Albert. Benj. Franklin. 

A Family Group — eight spirits 
(not inserted) 



h 


hr. 


2 


hrs. 


1* 


hrs. 


!> 


hr. 


!■ U hr. 


1 


hr. 


(• 


hrs. 


!* 


hrs. 


I- 


hr. 


[if 


hr. 


|l* 


hr. 


\u 


hr. 


\< 


hr. 


! ! 


hrs. 


) 
i 


hr. 


i 


hr. 


li 


hr. 


1 


hr. 



H hr- 



APPENDIX. 



325 



Date. 



Feb. 



Communications. 



Judj 



E. Mi 



Pio Xono. 
Hemans 

C. A. W., address to Seventh 



Regiment 



16. 
23. 

0,7 



March 



1G. 



H. Bishop Janes 

Aaron Burr. A. Hamilton. 
Washington Irving 

W. C. Bryant. Th. Parker . . . 

Family Group. P. M. R , etc. . 

Rich. W. Wm. L. S. J. N. 
McE. J. McK. R. Heller 

St. John. Milly W. M. K. 
John the Baptist. Judge E 



0. Bishop Ives. Napoleon. Jos. ) 
Lancaster. M. K. Wm. Penn. . . ) 
11. Rebecca. Caroline H. Leonard ) 



Time. 


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Some of the communications referred to in this summary are 
not inserted in this book ; and, since the last date mentioned, 
several others have been written, too late for insertion. It is 
hoped, however, that it will be possible to present these also to 
the public at some future time. The contrasts presented in this 
summary afford the most powerful evidence of the truth of 
these as spirit messages. 



II. 
The following was published in the Banner of Light, Sept. 
14, 1878 ; and is inserted here because it narrates an experience 
closely resembling that recorded in this book. The name of the 
writer of the article is unknown to the editor : — 

" Spiritual. Manifestations in an Orthodox Family." 

" In your paper recently I read a short communication on the 
subject of * Prayer,' and I feel impelled to write to you, giving 
some of our own remarkable experiences during the past, year, 
and at the same time some fruits of our belief. 

" As we (my husband and myself) are Orthodox Congregation 
alists, with an ancestry on my own side of clergymen for several 



32G APPENDIX. 

generations back, it will hardly be expected that wo should c:t 
tlie nerves of moral obligation and rest oar faitli on anything 
less than a personal Deity, holding immediate relations with us 
as earth-dwellers, manifestly created as subjects of moral obliga- 
tion in the universe. Our hearts and souls cry out continually 
with the Psalmist for the fountains of the living God. We feel 
that there must be a power above us that takes cognizance of 
all human actions, and either quickens or weakens the decisions 
of the inward monitor ; and that this power governs and con- 
trols throughout the spiritual as well as the material world. It 
is to this revealed One that we must look, in all his inconceivable 
perfections, for whatever of truth there is in spiritual manifes- 
tations. 

"When we are told, therefore, that prayer is a needless in- 
strumentality in this world of sin, penitence, and sighing ; that 
the ear of the Divine One is closed to this continuous cry of 
humanity for the expiation of sin, the abyss of man's guilt opens 
with too wide a chasm for anything but the most tragic senti- 
ment to bridge. This is our intellectual belief, and our heart- 
experience is in accordance with it. 

" We have unquestioning, unwavering faith in our blessed 
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, as the Redeemer of the world, 
and in the efficiency of prayer to God for His sake. Every joy, 
every sorrow, every want, temporal or spiritual, we take to Him 
in prayer. Prayer is to our spirits what the pure air of heaven, 
which we breathe daily, is to our earthly bodies. When Ave 
' hunger and thirst after righteousness,' after purity, truth, and 
love, by prayer, and by prayer alone, are we filled. Do we want 
strength to encounter the trials and temptations of this earth- 
life, we read in the Book of Books, ' Trust in the Lord with 
all thy heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding,' 
and we trust and pray. Does some temporal want need to be 
supplied, and the way does not seem clear, we pray. Does some 
unexpected joy brighten our pathway, our spirits offer a prayer 
of thanksgiving. Finally, do we earnestly desire to speak to 
the dear guardian angels, who we feel assured are ever around 
us, do we want their assistance or advice, we ask it of God in 
prayer, and we have it ! 

" We do not call ourselves 'Spiritualists,' and I presume, in 



APPENDIX. 327 

view of what I have written above, you would not accord us 
that designation ; but ice are, and have for some time been, firm 
believers in spiritual manifestations of various kinds, and we 
deem the power of conversing with those who have gone to the 
spirit-world, and receiving comfort and advice from them, one 
of God's best gifts to man — one of those good and perfect gifts 
which come from the Father of lights. 

" We have for the last twenty-five years been conversant 
with these ' manifestations. ' In the summer of 1852, my father 
(a Congregationalist clergymen, now gone to the spirit- world), 
came home from Boston, greatly interested in what he had seen 
there, and proposed a ' family circle,' to which we all acceded, and 
I was soon developed as a writing medium. I wrote a great deal 
then, but it was not entirely satisfactory to myself, and I pre- 
sume not so to my friends. After my marriage I gradually gave 
it up, as my husband thought the 'writing' injurious to my 
health. But we have never doubted the constant presence of 
our spirit friends, or their power to communicate with us, 
although this belief has been kept strictly within our own 
family. 

" About two years ago, my daughter's most intimate friend, 
a young lady of rare loveliness of character, passed to the spirit- 
world. She knew nothing of our belief in these matters, and 
felt a great shrinking and aversion to anything of the kind 
while in earth-life. A few weeks after she had left us, while 
sitting together one evening, conversing on various subjects, we 
heard some peculiar raps on a table near us. We soon heard 
them on other articles of furniture and in various parts of the 
room, and on inquiring, found that it was our friend lately 
gone. This was our first intimation of her presence, although 
we all daily mourned her loss. She then gave us, by raps and 
the alphabet, some directions for her mother as to the disposi- 
tion of certain articles of hers— her watch and other things. 
This was the beginning of a series of constant communications 
from her and others, which has continued until the present 
time ; embracing many wonderful tests, and numberless mes- 
sagesof great beauty and goodness, all tending to strengthen our 
faith in God and in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Some of these I 
will try to relate. The raps, begun that night, continued at in- 



328 APPENDIX. 

tervals, until they were of daily occurrence at any time and ill 
various parts of the house, They were a source of great pleas- 
ure to us, and we felt more than ever that the presence of our 
spirit friends was a reality. 

" We had one evening some very loud and unpleasant raps 
which annoyed us ; and upon inquiring, the name of the Evil 
One was spelt out. We replied, ■ We will not have this ;' and 
my daughter and myself immediately prayed that God for 
Christ's sake would ' deliver us from evil,' and suffer only the 
good and pure to come to us. This prayer for only good spirits 
to influence us has been a daily one since, and it has been 
abundantly answered. 

"But we have long since gone beyond raps as a means of 
communication. While sitting round a center-table one even- 
ing with an intimate friend of the family, a singular rubbing 
and scratching was heard, seemingly on the under side of the 
table. We asked, ' Who is here, and what is wanted ? ' but the 
rubbing continued until it became a distinct sound of writing — 
crossing the t's and dotting the is. Thinking of my writing in 
former years, I said, ' Do you wish to write 1 ' The answer 
' Yes,' came quickly in decided raps. ' Shall I write ? ' I asked. 
' No,' was the answer. ' Shall our friend? ' ' No.' ( Shall my 
daughter ? : calling her by name. A shower of raps gave a de- 
cided 'Yes/ Reluctantly she took the pencil for the first time, 
and wrote for more than an hour rapidly and intelligibly. 
There was no circle, no joining of hands, no darkening of the 
room, and only three others beside my daughter present. 
Questions were asked by the friend present in both Spanish and 
German, with which languages my daughter is entirely unac- 
quainted, and long satisfactory answers given in the same lan- 
guages. I should say here, that she naturally, of course, took 
the pencil in her right hand ; but it was immediately changed, 
the left hand taking it from the right, and retaining it during 
the entire writing. This we found was not our friend com- 
municating, but another whom she had brought with her, and 
who has since been our constant companion here. He is a 
bright, joyous, fun-loving spirit, who left earth-life in 1848, 
when only fourteen years old. We have since found his friends, 
who reside in New Jersey, and he has given us proofs and tests 



APPENDIX. 329 

without number as to his truthfulness. His name (' Vic') is a 
household word with us now, and whenever we are depressed 
or troubled, he comes with his merry, playful ways to cheer us 
up, and make us laugh, in which he always succeeds. He 
says that is his mission. We have a son of fifteen, who is es- 
pecially attached to this spirit-friend, and who calls upon him 
daily, through his sister's mediumship, for sympathy in all his 
sports, frequently saying that he likes ' Vic * for company better 
than any boy he knows. His influence over him is always for 
good. My daughter's friend has become her guardian, and con- 
trols her especially, keeping, through the grace of God, all evil 
from her and her brother, and permitting only those whom she 
knows to be good to come to us. This she says God allows her 
to do ; it is a part of her mission. We have had a great number 
of other spirit friends with us, from time to time, but all 
brought by her, they say — she in many instances writing for 
them, saying, ' It is not given them to write.' 

" Some peculiarities of our writings are, that they are done at 
any time, without the least preparation, frequently when we are 
not asking or expecting it, with no circle or arranged seance, 
and alone or with one, two, or any number present. There is 
no apparent psychological condition superinduced or otherwise 
brought about ; but my daughter seems in a perfectly normal 
state, carrying on conversations while her hand is thus occupied, 
on the incidental topics discussed by those present. And these 
writings will take place even in her sleep, when pencil and 
paper are placed by her, and the most beautiful sentiments 
thrown off with the greatest possible rapidity. At all times 
when the names God, Jehovah, or Jesus Christ are written, the 
hand is arrested, the pencil moving with great slowness, and 
the fingers hovering over it as if it were something ineffably 
sacred and holy. 

" The hand, however, is more or less abnormally affected 
while writing, generally becoming somewhat cold and damp 
after any considerable time. When she writes in her sleep, she 
will give the exact time of night with no time-piece in the room, 
or any clock that strikes the hours in the house, and also indicate 
the precise moment at which she will be awakened by her 
attending spirits. But the most remarkable exhibition in her 



330 APPENDIX. 

case is that of a particular spirit who uniformly writes with 
the paper turned from the medium, so that the person on the 
opposite side of the table can read the messages as they are 
penned, each sentence being written backwards, and the last 
word of each sentence, and the last letter of each word, written 
first. These back -handed messages are written with great legi- 
bleness and rapidity, and form continuous sentences of extreme 
beauty and appropriateness of thought and sentiment. This is 
done while she is blindfolded, and with her left hand ; and it 
is utterly impossible for her to perform this feat with either 
hand when attempting to do so of her own accord. 

"Among other extraordinary tests, the captain of one of our 
New Haven and New York steamboats recently lost one of a most 
valuable pair of sleeve-buttons, which he prized most highly as 
a gift, and had vainly searched for weeks to find. He requested 
that our ' spirit-friend ' should inform him where it could be 
found. A message was sent him that it was not lost, but was 
where he put it ; and his hand was involuntarily moved to a 
lappel in his vest, where the companion button had been 
thoughtlessly placed by him and overlooked. Our daughter had 
never seen the button, and was many miles away from him. It 
is a common occurrence in our family, when anything is lost, 
and diligent search has been made for it, to ask where it is ; and 
in every instance the place is immediately indicated where it 
may be found. 

" On one occasion the question was asked, ' What does " S." 
stand for in the initial of a newly-formed acquaintance ? ' refer- 
ring to a person who had recently and accidentally become inter- 
ested in the mediumship of our daughter. Instantly the pencil 
was seized, and the name ' Saltonstall ' was written. Then 
followed a series of test answers of the most extraordinary char- 
acter, such as that he had two brothers engaged in mercantile 
business in China, one of whom had recently left the earth-life ; 
that ' Saltonstall ' was the middle name of his father, who was 
a lineal descendant of old Governor Saltonstall, of Connecticut, 
and who had a large family of children, the number being 
given, when not one of the facts stated was known to our 
daughter or a single person in the room. Other questions were 



APPENDIX. 331 

asked and answered, and all Avere fully verified by subsequent 
inquiry. 

" Other spirits have come and written to tlieir friends, giving 
the names of entire families, and such circumstances as the 
death of one member in Pisa, Italy ; of another at a boarding- 
school for young ladies ; of the marriage of a third, with names, 
dates, and places — all fully verified, even to the minutest partic- 
ulars, when answers were received from the parties addressed ; 
and yet these families were hundreds of miles away ; and not 
one of them was known, or ever before heard of. 

" Our daughter will take her seat at the piano, blindfolded, 
but in a perfectly normal condition, and without knowing what 
is placed before her will play difficult music that she has never 
seen. On several occasions we have been told that such and 
such things would take place before long — sometimes events 
i dating to our own family, and in several instances relating to 
friends and acquaintances. These predictions have always 
proved true. One evening, some evil influence calling himself 
' Xerxes ' made several ineffectual efforts to communicate ; and 
finally succeeded in writing, '/ want to icrite, but a girl here 

won't let me (with an oath) ; her name is -' calling the name 

of our friend. She immediately wrote, ' No, 1 won't let him or 
any evil come here or near you.' I fully believe that, if the 
medium and others interested desire it, all evil influences can be 
kept far away, and only the pure and good permitted to write, 
which to us seems most desirable. This has been our experi- 
ence, and I believe it to be the result of prayer. 

" To give you the hundredth part of the remarkable messages 
that have been received through our daughter, would make 
this an article of magazine rather than newspaper length. We 
will therefore end by a single other incident, occurring but re- 
cently in a game of Casino. The medium was blindfolded at 
the request of her spirit-friend, the cards were dealt into the 
hand of a young brother sitting opposite her, with the backs 
of the cards turned toward her. The game was played by her, 
she taking the cards singly from her brother's hand, and win- 
ning the game. Two or three times the brother exclaimed, 
' That was a foolish play ; and yet the result showed that it 
was just such a play of the cards as an expert player would 



332 APPENDIX. 

have made had he known the cards held by his partner and two 
antagonists. The game was counted by her by simply placing 
her hand on the cards, and counting the number of points con- 
tained in her hand, and moving her peg to indicate the same. 
Only one game was played ; but when asked to play another, 
this was written : ' It is not allowed, except to convince you of 
the reality of our presence.' 

"As 1 stated in the commencement of this letter, we have 
always been firm believers in the truth and sacredness of the 
Holy Bible, in the divinity of Jesus Christ, and in salvation 
through Him, and Him alone ; and I desire to say that, so far 
from having this belief changed or weakened in the least, it has 
been confirmed and strengthened by all the communications we 
have received ; and our reverence and love for God and our 
Saviour Jesus Christ has never been so great, and has never 
exerted so strong and purifying an influence over our every-day 
life, as since we have been the happy recipients of these blessed 
messages from our angel-friends. W. li." 

Had this pure and gifted medium and her friends been able 
or willing to give their wonderful and beautiful experience to 
the world, attested by their own signatures, the revelation 
vouchsafed to them would, doubtless, have been vastly height- 
ened and augmented, by communications similar to those re- 
corded in this volume. Mediumship has an infinite diversity 
of phases ; and it is a " spiritual gift" designed to elevate the 
world of mankind, and lift them out of darkness and sin into 
the light of God's heavenly truth. How can any one keep so 
blessed a gift, hallowed too by a pure, loving, prayerful nature, 
all to himself or herself, when so many are sleeping the sleep 
of death, forgetful of God, and heedless of the terrible fact 
(to them) that " there is another world?" 

III. 

Spirit Communion Illustrated by the Scriptures. 
It seems to be the impr^pion, or conviction, of many that all 
intercourse with the spirits of the departed is forbidden by the 
Holy Scriptures. People that say, with extreme devotitness, 
almost every day of thei** lives, that they believe in the " com- 
munion of saints," are shocked at the very thought of receiving 



APPENDIX. 333 

a message of love from their dear departed, who, they believe, 
in a kind of sentimental way, are hovering round or near them. 
Alas ! they know not how they pain and chill those dear ones 
by their, cold, selfish, and cowardly repulses ! God permits 
spirit intercourse for righteous and holy purposes, just as he 
permits his creatures to enjoy other blessings ; but many of his 
choicest blessings are turned into a curse by the wickedness, 
selfishness, and folly of mankind. The following citations from 
the Scriptures have been compiled with the view to reassure, 
if possible, those who would gladly embrace this heavenly boon, 
could they satisfy their conscience that it is indeed permitted by 
God. The communications of holy spirits, and the darks acts 
of magic, the latter based on a corrupting intercourse with evil 
spirits, are coeval with the race. The one has led probably to all 
the progress in civilization -to all the intellectual, moral, and 
spiritual improvement— that mankind have made.; the other has 
plunged them into dreadful superstitions and crimes ; and allied 
them, in their unholy practices, with the power.; of the dark 
world. Both should be studied,— the one to be encouraged as 
one of the surest means of spiritual illumination, the other 
to be denounced and shunned. This the Scriptures show, as 
ought to be seen by the following citations : — 

1. The Existence of Spirits. — " In thoughts from the visions 
of the night, when deep sleep falleth on men, fear came upon 
ine, and trembling, which made all my bones to shake. Then a 
spirit passed before my face ; the hair of my flesh .stood up. 
.It stood still, but I could not discern the form thereof : an image 
was before mine eyes ; there Was silence;, and I heard a voice, 
saying, Shall mortal man be more just than God? Shall a man 
be more pure than his [Maker ? ' — Job iv. 13-17. 

" There is a spirit i:i man ; and the inspiration of the Almighty 
giveth them understanding." — Ibid, xxxii. 8. 

" And Saul said, I pray thee divine unto me by the familiar 
spirit, and bring me Mm up whom I shall name unto thee.'' — 
1 Samuel xxviii. 8. (See the whole passage.) 

" And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea they 
were troubled, saying, It is a spirit ; and they cried out for 
fear."— Matthew xiv. 26. (See also Mark vi. 40.) 

" Jesus, when Ik 1 had cried again with a loud voice yielded up 
his spirit," — Matthew xxvii. 50. 

" And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway." — 
Luke viii. 55, 

" Behold my hands and my feet that it is I myself : handle 



334 APPENDIX. 

me, and see ; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones as ye see me 
have." — Luke xxiv. 29. 

" Then the spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself 
to the chariot." — Acts viii. 2D. 

" While Peter thought on the vision, the spirit said unto him, 
Behold, three men seek thee." — Ibid. x. 19. 

"But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I 
command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." 
—Ibid. xvi. 18. 

" There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body." — 
1 Cor. xv. 44. 

" Seducing spirits." — 1 Timothy iv. 1. 

" Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the 
flesh is of God." — 1 John iv. 2. 

"For the body without the spirit is dead." — James ii. 20. 
See also Matthew viii. 23 ; ix. 32 ; x. 1 ; xii. 22, 43 ; xv, 22 ; 
xvii. 18 ; Mark ix. 17-26 ; xii. 27 ; xv. 37 ; xvi. 17 ; Luke iv. 
41 ; viii. 27 ; ix. 29-33 ; xi. 11 ; xx. 35-38 ; xxiii. 46 ; xxiv. 37 ; 
John xix. 30. 

2. Ministry of Angels. — "And the angel of the Lord found 
her by a fountain of water." — Gen. xvi. 7. 

"And he lifted up his eyes and looked ; and, lo, three men 
stood by him." — Ibid, xviii. 2 

" And there came two angels to Sodom at even " — Ibid. xix. 1. 

"And the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven." — 
Ibid. xxi. 17. 

"And the angel of God spake unto me in a dream/' — -Ibid, 
xxxi. 11. 

' ' And the angel of the Lord appeared unto the woman. Then 
the woman came and told her husband a man of God came unto 
me."— Judges xiii. 3. 

" And behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate." 
— Ezek. ix. 2. 

' ' And I heard a man's voice between the banks of Ulai, which 
called and said, Gabriel [man of GodJ, make this man to under- 
stand the vision." — Daniel viii. 13. (See also Ibid ix. 21, and x. 
5. Also Zech. i. 8 and ii.) 

" He shall give his angels charge over thee." — Psalms xci. 11. 

" An angel answered and said unto the woman, Fear not ye." 
— Matthew xxviii. 5. 

" Angels came and ministered unto him." — Matthew iv. 11. 

"And entering into the sepulcher, they saw a young man 
sitting on the right side, clothed in a long, white garment. *'— 
Mark xvi. 5. 

" Behold two men stood by them in shining garments." — Luke 
xxiv. 4. 

" And seeth two angels in white." — John xx. 12. 

"And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went 



PPENDIX 335 

up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel "—Acts 
i. 10. 

" But tbe angel of the Lord b> night opened the prison door? " 
—Ibid. v. 19. (See also viii 20-29.) 

'• Are they [the angels] not all ministering spirits, sent forth 
to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?" — Hebrews 
i. 14. 

" I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which 
shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do 
it not ; for I am thy feMoio- servant, and of thy brethren the 
prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book [i. e. 
of Revelation]. Worship God." — Revelation xxii. 9. 

From most, if not all, these citations, it would appear that the 
angels are the blessed and purified spirits of men ; for such is 
their designation, and such is the form assumed by them. In 
the last citation this is emphasized strongly, where the blessed 
angel, entrusted with so great an office, avows himself to be the 
" fellow-servant " of the saints on earth. (See also Luke xx. 3G ; 
John x. 34-37 ; Acts xvi. 9 ; Phil. iii. 21 ; Hebrews xii. 23.) 

In regard to this point, Dr. Smith says : " The angels are 
revealed to us as beings such as man might be, and will be, 
when the power of sin and death is removed" — [i. e. "Spirits 
of just men made perfect "] . See Dictionary of the Bible, art. 
Angels. 

3. Spirit Communion, or the " Communion of Saints." — Very 
many of the texts already cited illustrate certain forms of Spirit 
Communion ; and all who believe in the " Communion of Saints " 
must acknowledge its scriptural basis. In the olden times, men 
were not frightened by " visions, sayings, writings, or illumina- 
tions "that gave them spiritual truth and consolation, and were 
not so deficient in spiritual insight as to fail to discern between 
" unclean spirits " and " ministering angels ; " but now all spirits 
are rejected by many as " unclean," even when they bring the 
holiest words of divine benediction. The Rev. Samuel Watson 
says : " Ministers, for fear of being charged with being spiritu- 
alists in the modern sense of that term, have run into the other 
extreme ; and rarely have the moral courage to preach on the 
ministry of angels and the " Communion of Saints," for fear of 
being charged with a belief in tin ridiculous infidelity as taught 
by many who profess to have had intercourse with the spirits of 
the departed." Reference need be made here to but one text : 



336 APPENDIX. 

" And the same man [Philip the Evangelist] had four daughters, 
virgins, which did prophesy, "—Acts xxi. 9. This man was ono 
of the holiest and wisest of the early Christian proselytes, and 
was elected to a very important office in the Church. His 
daughters had the spiritual gifts which now would bo denomi- 
nated mediumship ; for the term prophet or prophesy denotes 
this all through the Scriptures ; that is to say, it denotes that 
inexplicable gift — that physical, mental, or spiritual peculiarity 
of constitution — by which the person so endowed is enabled to 
receive impressions from the spirit world, — sometimes, as it 
would appear, directly by divine influx, at others from inferior 
spirits, acting as the ministers of the Most High — the " angels 
that excel in strength, that do His commandments, hearken- 
ing Unto the voice of His word." The meaning of the term 
prophet in Hebrew is " one icho bu?'sts forth with divine utter- 
ances'" (nabi\ or K< one toko sues — L e. a seer" (roch or chazeh). 
"Neither prescience nor prediction," says Dr. Smith, "is im- 
plied by the term prophet as used in Hebrew, Greek, or English." 
These four virgins are supposed to have devoted themselves to 
spiritual teaching — inspirational. (See Smith's Dictionary of 
Bible, Art. Prophet,) 

" And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto 
Antioch. And there stood up one of them, named Agabus, and 
signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth through- 
out all the world : which came to pass in the days of Claudius 
Caesar."— Acts xi. 27, 28. 

" These were persons," says Dr. Smith, " who had the 
Xapidjiia TtpocpqrsiaS vouchsafed to them. If men, they 
might at the same time be apostles (1 Cor. xiv.) ; and there was 
nothing to hinder the different xafjid/uara — of wisdom, knowl- 
edge, faith, teaching, miracles prophecy, discernment, tongues, 
and interpretation (1 Cor. xii) being all accumulated in one per 
son. . . . The prophets of the New Testament were supernatu- 
rally illuminated expounders and preachers." And of these 
many such have existed in all periods of human history. The 
remarkable chapter 1 Cor. xiv. throws much light upon the sub- 
ject. "Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not 
to speak with tongues. Let all things be done decently and in 
order." — 1 Cor. xxi v. 39, 40. The most important of the uses 
of this gift is explained in verses 24, 25 (g. v.) of this chapter. 



APPENDIX. 337 

The early Christians had full faitli in the guardianship of 
angels. St. Bernard said : " We owe to our guardian angels 
great reverence, devotion, and confidence. Everywhere pay 
respect to your angel." The prayers of the R. C. Church in- 
clude those to the " Guardian Angel." Melanchthon tells us he 
had seen spirits, and that he knew many men worthy of credit 
who had not only seen but had discoursed with them. Bishop 
Hall in his work, "The Invisible World," gives his assent to 
this doctrine. The pious Oberlin fully believed, and had actual 
experience, in this spirit communion. Such seems to have been 
the belief of Richard Baxter and John Wesley. The latter 
said : "If our eyes were opened, we should see ' They are more 
that are for us than they that are against us ; '" and " In all 
ages God has used the ministry both of men and angels." This 
was also the view of Dr. Adam Clarke ; and the pious Mary 
Fletcher says : " Though it is allowed we may have communion 
with angels, various are the objections raised against the belief 
of our communion with that other part of the heavenly family, 
— the disembodied spirits of the j ad. If there is joy throughout 
all the realms above, yea, ' more joy over one sinner that re- 
penteth than over the ninety and nine that went not astray,' 
how evident it is to an impartial eye that the state, both of the 
one and the other, must be known there, together with the 
progress of each individual." Says the Rev. Samuel Watson : 
" The real and living verity of the future life, and spirit world, 
is a doctrine which can appeal confidently to the Bible, to his- 
tory, and to science, for its substantial proof, and reasonable 
confirmation. It is not only taught in the Bible, but proven by 
the concurrent testimony of every race of mankind, in all ages 
of the world." (See The Clock Struck One.) The following is 
also from a Christian source : " We are too earthly, if not sen- 
sual, to comprehend, appreciate, and enjoy the Communion of 
Saints. As we rise in our moral status, we shall find that we 
approximate to those who have passed the veil ; and we believe 
that the time will come when fellowship with the Church tri- 
umphant, and the Church militant, will be realized by all who 
are in a condition, spiritually, to enjoy such ' conversation in 
heaven.' " 



338 APPENDIX. 

4. Divination Prohibited. — " Regard not them that have famil- 
iar spirits, neither seek after wizards to be defiled by them." 
— Levit. xix. 31. 

"A man or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wiz- 
ard, shall surely be put to death." — Ibid. xx. 27. 

" Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live." — Exod. xxii. 18. 

"For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft." — 1 Sam. xv. 23. 
See also Deut. xviii. 9-4 ; 1 Samuel xxviii. 3,9 ; Isaiah viii. 19 ; 
xliv. 25 ; xlvii. 13, 14, 15 ; Acts xvi. 16-18. 

In these texts, the thing prohibited is the practice of divina- 
tion or magical arts — that is, a debasing recourse to the lower 
spirits (for the higher spirits would not lend themselves to the 
practice), to learn of the future in order to prosecute the affairs 
of this world. This prohibition was particularly necessary in 
those times, from the dreadful rites to which this divination 
led (see Levit. xx. 2-6) ; and such spiritual intercourse is still 
to be shunned. But, it must be borne m mind that the Leviti- 
cal law is not binding at the present time ; for many of its 
provisions and injunctions are, in the present age, cruel and 
absurd in the highest degree. The priesthood, at present, would 
not probably be willing to accept Deut. xviii. 1, 5. And it must 
be borne in mind, too, that the cessation of spiritual communi- 
cations was announced by Micali as a curse . — " Therefore night 
shall be unto you, that ye shall not have a vision ; and it shall 
be dark unto you, that ye shall not divine ; and the sun shall 
go down over the prophets ; and the day shall be dark over 
them. Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the diviners con 
founded; yea, they shall cover their lips; for there is no an- 
swer of God." This prediction was fulfilled by the spiritual 
darkness that prevailed during the tour centuries between Mal- 
achi and the coming ol the Saviour. So there evidently was a 
holy, as well as an unholy, spirit communication or divination. 
But nothing farther need be said on this subject after referring 
to the fact that Christ himself consulted the spirits of the de- 
parted on the holy mountain ; and thus, in fact, abrogated any 
general prohibition against spirit communion, showing to his 
disciples and mankind that, for holy purposes, the spirits of the 
just and good can and will always communicate. (See Howitt's 
History of the Supernatural, vol. I. s. v^. The Supernatural 
in the New Testament.) 



APPENDIX. 339 



IV. 
Sacred Precepts prom the Spirit World. 

The following are inserted here for illustration of the charac- 
ter of the teachings of the higher spirits delivered through other 
mediums than those referred to in this book : — 

I. 

" You profess to believe spirits ; you profess to an entire 
change of feeling in regard to life and its duties , you profess 
to live for progress, and to earnestly desire to shun and to root 
out everything evil and impure in your action and thought. 
Can you not understand, then, that you are specially guarded ? 
that that love which makes you the especial charge of holy 
spirits is for the purpose of enabling you to overcome evil for 
good by our aid and influence? Can you not realize that it is 
for some great and noble object that you are thus placed within 
the reach of those guides who shall direct you toward those 
glorious spheres where there shall be no evil, and where you 
shall be pure and holy ? 

" But woe to them who are the instruments selected, if, in- 
deed, they listen not to what we have said— who, in spite of all 
the means of progress, choose rather the evil than the good ! 
Human mind never pictured to itself the degradation which 
will ensue here oa earth, and the infinite misery hereafter. 

" My friends, deep is the faith of those who are engaged in 
this work ! — their love ! Oh ! words fail to express it. Their 
patience is like time, ever and continual ; and their forgiveness, 
beyond that of parent. You, what are you here for? What do 
you profess to believe? Earnestly strive with us. Earnestly 
desire to know what you are, and earnestly pray that you may 
so understand the operations of your own hearts, that you may 
be able to overcome evil with good ; and on earth, as in the 
spheres, every day advance one step toward light and truth. 

" SWEDENBORG." 

This emanated from the spirit of Swedenborg through the 
mediumslup of Dr. Dexter. An explanation being asked, 
the following was written ;— " If I exhaust much time on this 



340 APPENDIX. 

subject, it will be of service to you all. Tou ask for an applica- 
tion of what I Lave said. Hear me, tlien ; and realize, if you 
can, that every spirit present here to-night willingly suspends 
his labors, that you maybe instructed in that which shall enable 
you to know and to judge how you are to act, and when you are 
to cast off that which may be evil, and take on that which is 
good. The day is dawning when the truth will gird up its 
loins, and travel with speed through the world. You are its 
avant-guards ; you are its companions. In joy or in sorrow, in 
prosperity and in adversity, you must go on ; there is before 
you all much to do ; the light is twinkling like a star dimly 
seen. Can you behold the glorious beams of the noonday sun ? 
Then while we are moved for you, let your hearts drink up 
these sayings and listen. Now, in the very midst of you, all 
the spirits kneel together, and are singing a song of love and 
praise And, while I am writing, there comes a Hood of radiant 
light, streaming into their circle, clothing them with a brilliance 
mortal eye cannot behold ; and a spirit from the higher spheres 
descends, and stands in their midst ; and. raising one hand 
toward heaven, says : ' To me belongs this lesson ;— to me be- 
longs the explanation; and through the mouth of the Judge 
will 1 utter it.' I give way, and with yourselves I listen ; for 
from those glorious spheres both you and I can derive instruc- 
tion. — Swedenborg." Then Judge Edmonds was impressed, 
and spoke the following : " Servants of the Most High 1 have 
ye in your hearts no vainglory ? Lingers not there the love of 
man's applause, which so often taints mortal life? And are 
your labors prompted only by a love of God and your fellow- 
creatures? Is there not lingering deep down in your souls a 
remnant of those passions which have tinged your mortal careel 
in times past? Speak ! for ye know. Is there uo self in your 
motives, or in your actions, in the great cause of truth in which 
ye are enlisted? Deceive not yourselves. Vaunt not yourselves 
of the love, the admiration, the regards, of bright and holy 
spirits ; for little know ye how deep is the grief ye may cause 
them by. cherishing, still lingering in your hearts, the selfish 
passions which your material existence may have engendered. 
Vaunt ye of your courage ? What is it but that ye are not sunk 
as low as some? Pride ye yourselves on your knowledge? 



APPENDIX. 341 

What is it but a fearful addition to your responsibility over 
those who yet slumber in ignorance ? Regard ye yourselves as 
teachers ? What are ye but infants, tottering with feeble steps 
•over the threshold of knowledge ? 

" Oh ! mortals ! weak and sinful mortals ! Bow yourselves in 
the dust before that purity which has selected you as its instru- 
ments — purity of whose extent you cannot conceive, and in whose 
presence ye are dark as midnight. Humble yourselves before 
that mighty Power whose servants ye are, and, looking abroad 
upon the boundless universe which has been unfolded to your 
view, think how insignificant ye are. Let your thought roam 
over the countless millions of holy spirits who people eternity, 
and ask yourselves what ye are. And remember, that as you 
have been favored with light and knowledge beyond your fel- 
lows, so shall the more abundant fruit thereof be demanded of 
you. As you have been the recipients of that love which puri- 
fies and elevates the heart, so will it be demanded of you the 
more, that ye should show it forth in your lives. And oh, be 
ware ! beware, for your own sake ; beware, for the sake of 
those whose love for you now causes them to tremble for your 
future, how ye permit an entrance into your hearts of a single 
unkind feeling ; and be assured that every indulgence thereof 
will be but heaping coals of fire on your own heads — a laying up 
for yourselves treasures of sorrow which will haunt your foot- 
steps many a long and weary hour in your passage through 
eternity. 

To you the kingdom of heaven has been opened beyond any- 
thing ever yet known to mortal man. On you has been shed a 
holy light beyond that of your fellows. On you hopes are built — 
O, how great, how fervent, how cheering ! To you is committed 
a task — O, how infinitely important ! And on you, consequently, 
rests a responsibility, and devolves a duty, which naught but 
purity of life and action and thought can enable you to dis- 
charge. 

" Know, then, yourselves. Know, then, yourselves ! Dive 
deep down into the recesses of your hearts, and bring up in stern 
review before your judgments, enlightened as they have been 
by the knowledge given you, your most secret motives and pur- 
poses, and by an unshrinking amputation cut off from yourselves 



342 APPENDIX. 

the evil propensities which retard your progress and impair 
your usefulness. 

" Do this, and be happy. Do this, and ye shall be able suc- 
cessfully to accomplish the great work before you. Do this, and" 
in the glad shouts which will welcome your entrance into the 
spirit-land, when your day of work is done, will you find your 
abundant reward ; and as ye journey through eternity, the re- 
membrance of the good ye have done will lighten your footsteps, 
and cheer you on the way to that Great Spirit in whose hands 
are all the corners of the earth, and from whom pours, on all 
whom he has made, a never-ending stream of love. 

" What matters it that the heart is pure and the purpose hon- 
est, if there is not strength to do right I What matters it that 
you profess to be servants of God, if you fear the censure of man ? 
What matters it that you rejoice with exceeding joy at the rev- 
elations made to you of the marvelous works of God, if fear of 
man retard an upright avowal of them ? What matters it ? I say, 
much, much, indeed, does it matter ; for ye cannot at once serve 
God and Mammon. Ye cannot at once be the recipients of this 
wondrous bounty, and yet worship the world by fearing its 
clamor. The time will come when ye will hail with glad shouts, 
with hearts overflowing with joy, the hour when ye proclaimed 
yoarselves to the world, regardless of its frowns, that indeed ye 
are the chosen servants of the Most High God. 

" What fear ye ? It is the cause of God in which ye are en- 
gaged ; and fear ye to acknowledge it ? O, fear not ! Fear 
not ! Fear not man ; fear only God, and remember that he 
who denies his Master may in his turn be himself denied. 
Buckle on, then, the whole armor of God ; and be well assured 
that, in his cause, not a hair of your heads shall be injured. 
Measure not this great work by the miserable standard of man's 
applause, but by the meteward of eternity. 

" Fight ! Fight ! But first fight yourselves. Conquer first 
yourselves. It is yourselves that most retard your progress, 
that most impair your usefulness, that most impede the develop- 
ment within you of powers, innate there, which could make you 
marvelous instruments of working God's wonders before men. 
O, seek to know yourselves ; seek it with humble, contrite 
hearts. Seek to bow before the throne of the great Creator 



APPENDIX. 343 

your stubborness, which prompts you to resist even his will. 
And forget not, that as your gifts are great, as the blessings 
bestowed upon you are beyond those of others, so is more de- 
manded of you ; and that, as the great principle, that we are 
judged by our opportunities, exists everywhere and forever, ye 
cannot escape its influence on yourselves. Think how great, 
how wonderful, is the power that is given you — that of reveal- 
ing to man his immortal life in the spheres, the power to open 
to his knowledge the very gates of death, the power to pene- 
trate into the grave, and dispel at once its darkness and its mys- 
tery — the power to open to him a glorious future, and to lead 
him to it — the power to enable him. to shun an evil future, and 
the power to lead him back to the great purpose for which he 
was created. ********* 

" And now, dear friends all, could you see, could you feel, O, 
could w r e in the slightest degree make you sensible of the deep, 
the abiding, the overflowing love which has prompted us to 
deal out these admonitions to you ; could you but know the 
intense interest with which countless numbers of pure and 
happy spirits regard your progress ; could you but understand 
the immense value to the cause of truth that your purity and 
progress are ; could you but see how many thousand hearts are 
overfloAving with love of you, you would know and appreciate 
the motives which have prompted us thus to chasten that we 
might purify — thus to burn your gold in the furnace that it 
might be brightened, and thus to warn that we may draw you 
nearer to ourselves, and bind the stronger the links that are to 
connect you with us to eternity." — Spiritualism, by J. W. 
Edmonds and Geo. T. Dexter (N. Y., 1855). 



II. 

The following is an extract from a communication given by a 
higher spirit, naming himself " Mystery," to a circle of which 
the Rev. Samuel Watson was a member. It was the spirit's 
" parting counsel " after a long series of teachings : — 

"The ball is in motion; it will roll the spacious earth 
around, and with one great shout, resounding through heathen 
as well as Christian lands, — that spirits of the blessed do return 



344 APPENDIX. 

to teach poor men. Yes, there are hundreds who will not re- 
ceive the Gospel, who reject the Son of God, who say death is a 
long, dark, everlasting sleep. But the spirits will remove all 
this ; we will give them such proof as will remove every doubt ; 
and they will then begin to think of a preparation for hereafter. 
But delay not ; now is the accepted time ; now is the day of 
salvation. 'Work while the day lasts, for the night cometh 
when no man can work.' Yea, work, and you shall receive a 
rich reward in the upper and better world. In the hour of 
trial, I will be with you. Fear not, little flock, for 'tis my mis- 
sion to you that you shun the second sphere. I would have you 
shine as bright stars in the seventh sphere. Ah ! remember 
there is a world beyond the spheres, where you shall see God, 
for you shall be like him. Ah ! the Jordan is to be crossed by 
you. Spirits bright and beautiful will guide you to the banks ; 
and angels of God will receive you on the other side, there to 
dwell with God forever. Ah ! yes, with angels as your com- 
panions, and God as a father, how will the ages of eternity 
pass ! Yes, you must, you can shun the dark world, where one 
day appears as a thousand years. Yes, you can reign with God 
forever, if you will but take the Bible as your guide and Christ 
for your example. He came down to earth for man's good ; he 
left the realms of glory that man, knowing the road, might 
walk therein. The path, though narrow, is illuminated by his 
love ; the road, though it appeareth long to the children of 
man, is but a narrow span, which clouds the shores of time 
with eternity. Dwell in readiness; for in such an hour as ye 
know not the Son of Man cometh. Live not for time, but for 
eternity ; so, should you be called at this hour, you would 
enter the sixth sphere ; then I, who have been your teacher on 
earth, will be your teacher there. Then we shall look back 
upon one another ; and, oh ! with what eagerness will you 
devour my teachings ! For when you leave the seventh sphere, 
there is but one more step to the home of God, the Father — you 
may gain that too. Now, may the most choice of God's bless- 
ings rest upon you, and may we meet around his throne on high." 
— 2 he Clack Struck One, by the Rev. Samuel Watson (1872). 



INDEX. 



A 



Absolution f t om Sin 333 

.^Eonian Rewards and Punish- 
ments 23 

Albert, Prinoe, communica- 
tion from Ill 

All are called 286 

Ambition, Spiritual 90, 282, 291 

Angel Guardianship,.. 3 3, 39, 180, 184 
196, 199, 200, 202 

Angela 119, 129, 135, 168, 175, 181 

187, 189, 190, 198, 201, 202, 262 203 



Angels, the calling of 288 

Angels of Light 234 

Annihilation 10, 117 

Apostles, the .303. 317 

Applause 104, 27 5, 288 

Archbishop 271 

Atheism 318, 319 

Atonement, Christ's.. 58, 120, 128, 231 

Atonement for Sin 174, 273 

Attraction, Spiritual, similar to 
Gravitation 88 



Bacon, Communication from. . . . 75 

Band of Dark Spirits 136 

Baptism 314 

Belden, "William, Jr., Rev. 

Com. from 41, 42, 44, 47, 51 

209. 238, 255 
Belden, William, Sr., Rev. 

Com. from 43, 4t3. 51, 205 

238,256, 257 

Benevolence 63 

Bible, the 35, 43, 97, 220. 230, 242 

261, 264, 271 
Bibliolatry 70 



Bigotry 272, 289 

Bishop 276, £87 

Blindness of mankind 230 

Book of Communications .42,44, 51 

Book of Hope 238 

Booth, James "W., Com. from 55 

Brotherhood. Religion of 110 

Bryant, William Cullen, 

Com. from 96 

Burr, Aaron, Com. from.. 105, lOti 

107 

Byron, Lord, Com. from. 90, 91, (12 

93, 94 



Calvary, Mount 172, 

Calvin, John, Com. from 

Calvinism 

Catholicism 76, 

Celestial Sphere 

Cerebration, unconscious 

Charity 52, 61,103, 

Cherubim and Seraphim. 

Childhood, spirits of those who 

died in 

Christ 15. 20, 49. 51, 52, 53. 57, 58, 

82, 107, 110, 111, 120, 121, 128. 

182, 188, 198, 207, 217, 223. 231, 

236, 244, 254, 256, 278, 279, 280, 
233, 295, 300, 301, 

Christ, Church of 

Christ, Second Coming of .. ..110, 

Christ, in Heaven BOO, 

Christian Church. 269, 279. 

Christian Faith 35, 161, 

Christian Ministers 16, 

Christianity .15,19, 112, (n), 

278, 279, 294, 313, 
Christians 



297 

280 

216 
205 



Christ's Church Militant... 

( hrist's Example 277, 

Christ's Home 

Christ's Kingdom 15, 36, 111, 227, 



Christ's Mansions of Progression 

300 Christ's Redemption 

304 Churches, Pompous 268, 

Churches, The 

176 Clairandient Communications ... 
59 65, 72, 105, 106, 108, 

158 Clairvoyance 

2 ;:) Clairvoyant Descriptions .99, 10(5, 
285 1 111,262,273, 

312 Clarke on the Spiritual World (■«) 
270 Clergy, '1 he 236,264, 268, 

301 Columbus, Christopher, — 

303 Communication from 78, 

314 Comforter, The 

313 ' Communications, Purpose of, 1 16, 
322 I 294, 

268 Communion of Saints 73. 220. 

320 

147 ! Communion with Angels 



281 
303 
281 
300 
253 
198 
275 
261 

30 
170 
162 
108 
300 

34 



215 
166 

233 
801 

213 
28 i 

137 



( 345 ) 



316 



INDEX. 



Communion with God 237, 268 

Communism 313 

Compassion, Divine .... 98, 100 

Conscience 229, 232, 289 

Contemplation 171 , 269 

Contrition of Sinful Spirits . . 124, 128 

181, 152, 269, 272 

Conversion in the Spirit World. . . 93 

154, 160, 161, 163, 195 



Creeds 36, 217, 228 

Culture 281 

Cummings, J. W./D.D., Com- 
munication from 269 

Cushing-, James, Communica- 
tion from 224 

C. W.. Communications from... 138 
192, 193, 194, 195 
C W. (See Weismann, C.) 



D. A., Communication from 

Damnation. 151, 

Darkness of the i oul 

Darkness in the Spirit World. 116, 

121, 128, 130, 171, 

Dark Spirits .. .44, 93, 94, 114, 125, 

144, 145, 147, 155, 158, 197, 

Dark Spirits, their awe toward. . . 

God (») 

Dark World, The 114,156, 158, («), 
Dead, Prayers for the (Ste Prayers 

for the. Departed). 

Dead of Ages, The 

Death, Described 

Death, Early 

Death, Spiritual 278, 

Death of Hell 



Demon Control 251 

Demons of Hell 159 

Despair 153 

Devil, The 51, 57, 61,<67, 117, 144 

149, 155, 156. 157, 162, 165, 228, 235 

241, 269, 291. 296, 297, 301 

Devils (Evil Spirits) .138, 141, 145, 156 

240 

Divine Instinct in Man 98 

Divine Love (See Love, Diviut). 

Divine Nature, The 98, 105 

Divination 221, 318 

Doubt, Effects of upon the Com- 
munications 169, 1C9 

Doubts, Sickening. 296 

Dowlingr, Rev. John, D. D., 
Communication from 275 



Earthly Affairs, not a subject of 

Spirit Communion 146, 240 

Earthly Distinction in Spirit Life 87 
90 

Earthly Form of Spirits 245, 285 

Earthly 'J roubles, Use of 240 

Edmonds, J. W. (Judge), Com. 

from 40, 41, 42, 47, 51, 55, 57 

58, 59, 60, 62, 85, 129, 144, 147, 157 

220, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 238 

237, 253. 257, 292, 293 

Edmonds, Judge, his Spirit 

Writings 253 



I Edmonds, Mrs., 
tion from 



Communica- 



Education 102, 243, 245, 

EHzabeth, Queen, Communi- 
cation from 

Enjoyment of Earthly Things... 

Eschatology 

Evangelists 

Everlasting Punishment. .34, 117, 
(/). 175, 232, 

Evil Spirits 121. 146, 147, 

Expiation in the Spirit World — 
236, 248, 



255 



63 
299 



280 
230 



296 



Faith 60, 69, 302, 320 

Faith, Conditions of 289 

Faith, Hope, and Charity 52, 277, 302 

Fallen Spirits 93, 175, 206 

False Light 289, 300 

Family Gronp 247 

Farr, James W., Com. from.. 55 
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.. 52, 57 
118, 165, 166, 265 
Ferguson, Rev. S. i>., Com. 

from 267 

Eisk, James, Jr., Com. from .. 170 



Forgiveness after Death 50, 94,128, 138 

Forgiveness of Sins 309 

Franklin, Benjamin, Com. 

from 77777: 100 

Frederick M., Com. from 199 

Freemason, Communication to a. 55 

FreeWill 291,321 

French, Eli, Communication 

from 60 

Friends in Spirit Life 119, 122 

Future Life 12 

Future Punishment 77, 78 



G 



Gentiles, The 260, 293 

Gerard, J. "W„ Com. from.. 46, 213 

227, 238, 256 

God alone to be worshiped 112 



God. his Nature and Attri- 
butes 98, 105 

God of Abraham, Isaac, and 
Jacob 294 



INDEX. 



347 



God the only Potentate 288 

God the Prompter of the Comnia- 

nications 101, 102, 234 

God is Love 93,113, 138 

God's Kingdom. 131, 155, 191, 217, 233 
237, 256, 230, 277, 230, 285, 295 



God's Light, Home of 196 

God's Sphere, Brightness of 121 

Good Spirits 146 

Good Works 140, 289 

Gospel Truths 218 

Guardianship of the Spirits 253 



H 



Hamilton, Alexander, Com. 

from 107, 108 

Hamlet 67 

Happiness in the Spirit World 254 

261, 288 

Harmony of the Spheres 2J0, 283 

Hauffe, Madame. Com. from. 162 
163,218, 221 

H e, Caroline, Com, from 245 

246 

H o, Leonard, Com. from 246 

247 

Heaven, Described 39, 113, 192 

194, 2d2, 232, 233, 238, 245, 253, 255 
265, 286, 288, 3Q6 

Heaven, My 98, 220, 266, 297 

Heaven, Justice in 174, 272, 273 

Ueaven, Light of 162 

Heavenly Kingdom 294 



Hecker, John, Com. from... 45, 209 
213,238, 255 

Hell 78, 117, 118, 149. 150, 155, 159 

162 170, 171, 173, 234, 272, 307 
HeUer, Robert, Com. from — 250 

Hell Fire 78,176 (») 

Hemans, Felicia, Com. from.. 99 

Heresy 271, 289 

Higher Spirits 292 

Holy Spirit 98, 314 

Hcly Writ 316 

Homicide 105 

Hope in the Spirit World 121, 122 

Hug-b.es, Archbishop, Com. 

from „ 271 

Humanity , 96 

Humility 80, 82, 93, 105, 170 

237, 302, 303, 315 
Hunt, Dr. F. W., Com from.. 223 



Identification of the Spirits... Co, 140 | 

Idolatry 295 j 

Idolatry of the Scriptures 76 

Illustrious of Earth, Communica- 
tions from 64 

Immortality, Conditional 10, 58 

Immortality of the Soul. .9, 10, 26, 59 

66, 113, 149, 305 

Incarceration 7 

Individuality 100 j 

Infallibility 21. 50 

Infancy, Spirits who died in 81 

236, 316 | 



Infidelity 15 («), 36, 313 

Inspiration 81,236, 316 

Intercession of the Saints 73 

Intermediate State ... .11 («), 231, 232 
Irving-, Washington, Commu- 
nication from 109 

Isaiah, the Prophet 295 

Israel, King of 62 

Israel, Lord of 293 

Israel's Host 293 

Ives, Bishop, Com. from 285 

Ives, on " Bible Doctrine of the 
Soul" 59 



James K— d, Com. from 201 

James K—s, Com. from — 195, 21'.) 

Janes, Bishop, Com. from 276 

Jesus 22, 51. 52, 5."). 60, 82, 101, 163, 181 

182, is;. 189, 190, 221, 230, 231. 31C 

Jesus Christ.. 63, 92, 131, 140, 117, 298 

303 

Jesus, the Redeemer of Israel,. .. 61 



Jewess, Spirit of, Com. from 220 

Jews, The .... 60, 231 , 232, 260, 293, 294 

299 

John the Baptist, Com from . 301 

Judgment, Day of 32, 233, 303 

Judgment, The 188, 296 

Jupiter, Sphere of 233 

-Justice, in the Future World. .272, 273 



KeUy, James, Communications K—s. James, Communication 

from 4;, 207, 213 from 195, 239 

Kiddle, Frederick, Connnuni- King of Israel 62 

cations from 208, 213 Kingdom of God at hand 76, 221, 232 



Kiddle, John, Com. from.. 196, 19' 

19S, 199 

K-d, James, Com. from ..201. 249 



Kingdom of Heaven 303 

Know thy God 102 

Know thyself 102 



348 



INDEX. 



Lafayette, Com . from 89 

Lamb, The ...66, 76, 161, 243, 271, 272 

278, 287, 2% 

Lancaster, Joseph, Com. from 101 

Language X>i the Communications 43 

Life 56, 88, 93, 97, 1C5, 248 

Life, the Lesson of 275 

Life in the Spirit World.... 97, 101, 110 
121, 193, 194, 200 
Life on Earth, Spiritually viewed 

230, 234 

Light, Sign of 195 

Light in the Distance 286 

Light in the Spirit World 94, 121, 149 
Lincoln, Abraham, Communi- 
cations from 83. 84, 215 

Lincion, Elizabeth, Communi- 
cation from 242, 243 



Liturgies, Early Christian.... 311, 312 

Lord of Hosts ..293, 294, 295, 299, 302 

Love.... 69, 86, 93, 94, 96, 193, 195, 196 

203, 278, 321 

Love, Divine... .68, 72, 93, 98, 100, 103 

105, 107, 111, 120, 149, 160, 195, 265 

272, 280, 286, 291, 297, 303, 316 

Love God.... 37, 134, 141 149, 287, 314 

Love of God never forfeited 308 

Love one Another. . .104, 236, 258, 287 
314 

Lower Spheres 44, 114, 121, 306 

Lucy , Communication from 189 

191, 207 
Luther, Martin, Communica- 
tion from 277 

Lying Spirits 145, 230, 240 

Macbeth 67 



M 



McEHigott, J. N., Com. from 
McKeen, Joseph, Com. from. 
McN., Milly, Com. from 38, 39, 

McN., Frank, Com. from 

McN. M., Com. from 

Man, the Image of his Maker. .99, 
Manifestations (Spiritual), or- 
dained by Christ 

Mary A. Kiddle (Mollie), 
Com. from . .37, 38, 46, 51, 52, 53, 
180, 181, 183. 184, 190, 203, 
Master, The... 73, 83, 110, 272, 278, 
287, 300, 
Materialism, Scientific 16. 36, 318, 
May, Amasa J., Communica- 
tion from 

M.. Mrs., Com. from 219, 

Medium, Child 29, 115, 118, 

Mediumship 80, 115 (h), 



Memory, in the Future World. 106, 108 
, 151, 219, 296, 297 
Mental Faculties in the Spirit 

World 248 

Minister of the Bible 264 

Ministering Spirits 318, 320 

Ministry, Christian 51 

Ministry of Angels.. 94, 123, 138, 189 
392; 194, 197, 203, 255, 308 
Modern Spiritualism (See Spirit- 
ualism). 

Mosaic Law 11 

Moses, Com. from . 292, 293. 294, 295 

Mozart, Com. from 81,82, 213 

Muhlenberg, Rev. Dr 260, 261 

Murder 106 

Music of the Spheres 82, 95 

M. W., Com. from 186 

Mysteries of God 256 



N 



Names in Heaven 192, 196, 241, 291, 299 
Napoleon Bonaparte, Com- 
munication from 108 

Nationalities — 217 

Natural Conditions preserved in 

Spirit Life 90, 174, 201, 210 

Necromancy 



Netty S., Com. from 203 

New Dispensation 15 

New Jerusalem 217 

Newton, Sir Isaac, Communi- 
cation from 88 

Nihilism 313 

.221, 318 I Nobility of Man 104, 111 



Pearl of Great Price, The 303 

Personality of God 126 

Pontius Pilate, Com. from — 296 

Pride 315 



Prophet, Priest, and King 304 

Purification of the Spirit 306 

Purified Spirit, A 300 

Purity (St. John) . 300 



Raymond, Henry J., Com- 
munications from 134, 135, 136 

Reason, in Religion 22 

Rebecca W., Com from 228 

Recognition of Spirits 200, 255 

R— d., P. M., Com. from 248 



Redeemer, The 60, 61, 132, 299 

Redemption 111, 187, 198, 230, 265, 272 

279, 281 

Redemption of the World ... . . 295 

Reformation, The 277, 279, 280 

Reformers 279 



INDEX. 



349 



Reformers, Orange 

Regeneration 97, 276, 287, 

Reincarnation . 

Religion 22 (n), 61, 116 («), 255, 256, 

Remembrance of Sins 

Remorse in the Spirit World... 98, 
103, 104, 226, 2-37, 272, 288, 289, 

Repentance . 

Repentance after Death . .119, 123, 
137, 151, 164, 173- 279, 2S9, 306, 



76 
298 

70 
286 
2X7 
128 
102 : 
306 

■ 14 
131 



Repentant Spirits.... 114, 154, 157, 272 

Rest, in the Future World 98 

Resurrection, General 32, 111 

Resurrection of the Body — . . 11 
Retrospection in the Spirit World 173 

Reunion in the Spirit Land 253 

Revenge 107 

Rogers, Quotation from 109 

Roman Catholic Church 271, 289 

Rome, Apostates of 273 



S 



Sabbath, The , 117 

Sacred Books ( n ) 22 

Sadducees, The, 11 

St Augustine, Com. from.... 291 

St. John, Com. from 299 

St. Paul, Com. from 303 

St. Peter, Communication from. 298 

Saints, Communion of 73, 226, 243 

282 
Salvation, Universal (See Uni- 
versal Salvation). 

Salvation of Mankind 198 

Sarah R., Com. from 37, 53. 127, 131 

Satan 67', 144, 165, 26S, 273 

Saviour, The. .58, 60, 66, 67, 68, 74, 76 

86. 90, 91, 135, 149. 161, 1S2, 1S7, 193 

194, 198, 205, 225. 260, 261, 271, 282 

293, 294, 295, 296, 297 

Saviour's Glory, '1 he 193 

Schism ' 289 

Scriptures, The 11, 23 (rt), 76, 127 

149, 316 
Sectarianism 01, 314 



Sects 

Seducing Spirits 

Self -Abnegation 

Selfishness 95, 

Self-Bighteousness 

Self-Sacrifice....277, 278, 279, 295, 

Seraphs 94,271, 

Seton, S. W,, Com. from ...46, 
Shakespeare, Communications 

from 65, 67, 70, 72, 73, 74, 

Shelly, Com. from 94 

S , Coroner, Com. from 

Short-Lived on Earth. Com. from 
Sin. 58, 95, 103, 161, 171, 174, 236, 

Sinai 

Smythe, Richard, D.D., < !om- 

munications from. .263, 264, 285, 

Socialism 

Sorcerv 



Soul, Bible Doctrine of . 

Soul. The 56, 

Spheres, Harmony of 

Spheres, The 

Sphere of Grace 

Spirit Blindness 

Spirit Call 

i-pirit Colloquies.... 115, 116, 120, 



Spirit Communion.. 13, 15, 27, 84, 86 

88, 100, 133, 135, 142, 187, 200, 257 

275, 279, 282 

Spirit Companionship... 119, 122, 173 

196, 262 

Spirit Emotions.. 01, 104, 124, 131, 263 

204, 267 

Spirit finallv conquers 273 

Spirit Growth.... 37, 97, 184, 196, 202 

220, 277 

Spirit Impression, or Control. .80, 81 

257 

Spirit Intercourse 318 

Spiritism 32 ( .) 

Spirit Land 202 

Spirit Life, Entrance into.... 108, 263 
288 

Spirit Life, The .97, 101, 110 

Spirit of God. - 198 

Spirit Progression.. 93, 97,99, 101, 103 
104,105, 114 

Spirit Sudit 239, 242 

Spirit Sight of Earthly Things. . . 221 

Spirit Test 147 

Spirit Writing among the Chi- 
nese 317 

Spirit Writing, Mode of. .29, 80, 81 
116, 133, 185, 283 

Spirit Writings, The 110, 225, 230 

237, 253, 255, 256, 257, 294 
Spirits;. Efforts of to enlighten the 

World 284 

Spirits, good, how they come. 281, 285 

Spirits, Test of 49 

Spirits' Fire. 9) 

Spirits help each other.. 123, 124, 127 
138, 153, 200 

Spirits in Prison 129 

Spirits of the Lower Spheres. .44, 93 
94, 114 

Spiritual Body. 26 

Spiritual Culture 150 

Spiritual Gifts 318 

Spiritual Instinct 88 

Spiritualism .12. 13, 1s'. 33(n),62, 110 

130, 147, 168, 191, 212. 217. 323, 235 

263, 264, 278, 319, 320 

Spiritualistic Phenomena 318 

Spiritualists 284 

Stewart, A. T., Com. from.222. 223 



350 



INDEX, 



Stone, Wm. L., Com. from.... 243 

Sufferings of Spirits .114, 117, 153, 154 

Sufferings in the Future World. . 77 

78, 92, 104, 106, 116, 118, 175, 272, 297 



Summer Land of Flowers 238 

Sunday 116 

Superstition.. 317 

Swedenborg, Com. from... 282, 283 



Table-Tipping 25, 142 (») 

Taylor, Isaac 81 (>/) 

Teaching in the Spirit World 202 

245,249, 291 

Temptation 303 

Ten Commandments 295 

Test of Spirits ' 147 

Test of the Authenticity of the 

Spirit Writings 201,291, 299 

Theology 86, 99 

Time in the Spirit World 79. 80 

168 



Titles, Earthly 271 

Townsend on the Intermediate 

World 63 

Transfiguration, The. 83 

Trinity, The 52, 57 

Troubled Spirits 129 

iruth 69 

Truth, or Sincerity (Mrs. He- 
mans) 99 

"Try the Spirits'" 49 

Tweed, Wa M., Communica- 
tion from 173, 174 



TJ 



Unbeliever, Communication to an 57 

Universal Church 304 

Universal Salvation .. 93, 94, 121, 133 
182, 197, 235, 303 



Unprogressed Spirits 114, 126, 144 

310, 318 

Unrepentant Spirits 157 

Unselfishness 99 



Vainglory. 80, 288, 303 | Vanity 77, 95, 101, 167, 271, 296 

Valiant, Richard, Communi. I Victoria, Queen 112 

cation from 218 [ Virgin, The 218 



W 



W T ar 100, 

Warren, Richard, Com. from. 

"Washing-ton, George, Com- 
munication from 76. 77, 78, 

"Watson, Henry C, Communi- 
cation from 

Watts, Dr. Robert, Com- 
munication from 210, 211, 

Weather, Effect on the Communi- 
cation* 

Weismann, Charles A., Com. 
from.... 138, 139, 140. 161, 

Weismann, L. F ...40. 51, 58, 

Wicked Spirits. ..44, 117, 120, 195, 



105 



212 



251 
05 
170 



William, Prince of Orange, 

Communication from 75 

Wisdom, Book of 11 (><) 

Wisdom of God 89 

Witchcraft 318 

W. L. B., Communication from 149 

Word of God 230, 293, 303 

World of Dark Spirits 95 

Worldly Affairs 146 

Worlds of Doom 121 

Worship God only... 269, 271, 286, 288 
W. P., Communication from.... 149 
W. W., Communication from. . . 151 



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Nobody's Business 30c. 

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